Grand Opening of Wheelhouse Hamtramck!

WHEELHOUSE DETROIT OPENING HAMTRAMCK STORE ON BLACK FRIDAY

Hamtramck’s cycling headquarters to feature “Made in the USA” products

Hamtramck—November 17, 2016—Wheelhouse Detroit Bike Shop’s Hamtramck location will open its doors on Friday, Nov. 25 with a wide array of city-oriented bicycles, accessories and active wear with an emphasis on Made in the USA products.

The 2,600 square foot store at 9401 Joseph Campau at Florian St. is the second Wheelhouse location.  The first store, located on the Detroit Riverwalk in Rivertown, opened in 2008.

Owner Kelli Kavanaugh will mark the grand opening with a party for the community from 6-8 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 25 with food and drink courtesy of Amicci’s Pizza, Motor City Brewing Works, Cellarman’s, Al Haramine and Polish Village Café.    The store opens for business that day at 11 a.m. and will feature opening day and Small Business Saturday specials.

To mark the grand opening, a mural is being painted live by local artist Ria Noriega on Friday and Saturday on the building’s rear exterior wall.

“I look forward to Wheelhouse making a contribution to the growing and vibrant Hamtramck business district,” said Kavanaugh. “I chose this location because of its diversity and walkability, along with the welcoming nature of the existing retailers in the community.” 

Kavanaugh worked with Hamtramck apparel maker Sarah Ayres of William + Bonnie on a new line of cycling clothing for professionals who cycle to work.  It will be carried exclusively by Wheelhouse Detroit. Ponchos, dresses, skirts, knickers and caps in a variety of textures and patterns are currently in stock with more to come from the collaboration.

Wheelhouse Detroit features Kona Bikes, Brooklyn Bicycle Co. and Opus Bike. In terms of American-made products, shoppers can find bicycles from Detroit Bikes; bags from Green Guru, Alchemy, Chrome Industries, Ironweed and Timbuk2; vehicle racks from Saris; locks from Kabletek; lights from Fortified; Park Tools; caps from Walz; and bottle cages from King Cage. “My goal is to highlight the many cycling brands made in the USA,” said Kavanaugh.  “So much of the industry has moved overseas and there are some great products made here.”  

Wheelhouse also offers a professional service department that aims to be fast, fair and communicative. The new shop will allow for a wide range of parts to be on hand with the goal of a quick turn-around, and weekly special orders will be placed as needed to ensure total customer satisfaction.

Wheelhouse Detroit was named one of America’s Best Bike Shops by the National Bicycle Dealers Association in 2015 and 2016.  Criteria included customer service – with visits and calls from secret shoppers included as part of the analysis – community advocacy and staff knowledge and expertise.  

Wheelhouse worked with numerous local businesses on the expansion, including Christian-Hurttienne Architects; building owner John Grossi of Amicci’s Pizza; neon designer Signifier Signs; vinyl printer Vector Lab; Good Guy Electric; East Bay Painting; and web designer The Work Department. The growth is made possible with the assistance of Invest Detroit’s Urban Retail Loan Fund and Technical Assistance Grant.

In addition to selling and fixing bikes, Wheelhouse provides rentals and offers tours.  Some of Wheelhouse Detroit’s most popular tours include architecture, automotive heritage, Belle Isle, Corktown, Eastern Market, Hamtramck, Haunted Detroit, Music Heritage, Public Art, and Urban Agriculture. Wheelhouse is the city's largest bicycle touring company.

The shop’s winter hours are Sunday 12-5 p.m., Monday 12-6 p.m., Thursday 12-6 p.m., Friday 11 a.m. – 7 p.m., and Saturday 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.

For more information, visit Wheelhouse Detroit’s website at www.wheelhousedetroit.com. 

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MEDIA CONTACT:  Colleen Robar, Robar PR, 313-207-5960, crobar@robarpr.com