Shinola Announces First Boston Store

Courtesy Photo

Shinola, a lifestyle brand best known for its retro-style watches, has officially announced the opening of their first Boston store. The 1,500-square-foot brick-and-mortar is set to open October 29 in the Prudential Center, and will become the brand’s 18th retail location in the United States.

Founded in 2011, Shinola has made a splash in the “American-made” market, choosing to set up their headquarters in Detroit and capitalizing on the city’s legacy of manufacturing. The brand, which also sells the unusual combination of leather goods, stationary, and bicycles, has been widely heralded for revitalizing the retail market in Midtown Detroit and creating stateside manufacturing jobs.

Since its inception, Shinola has gone from nine assembly workers in a warehouse to 20 retail locations worldwide, and boasts an impressive list of celebrity customers: Jimmy Kimmel bought a Shinola bicycle as a birthday present for his wife. Bill Clinton purchased over a dozen timepieces from the brand and even wore his 47 mm quartz “Runwell” watch at the Democratic National Convention this summer. President Obama sports a Shinola watch of his own, and gifted one to former British Prime Minister David Cameron.

Come October, Boston shoppers will have firsthand access to Shinola’s full line of products, including men’s and women’s watches, journals, leather bags, jewelry, and a forthcoming audio equipment line, alongside a curated collection of items from other American manufacturers.

Shinola’s first Boston store opens Saturday, October 29, 2016, 10 a.m.-9 p.m., at the Prudential Center. Opening day activities run 12-5 p.m. with live DJs, Luke’s Lobster rolls, and Shinola Cola ice cream floats.

Note, October 26, 9 a.m.: Updated opening date and added details on launch day festivities.