Airport layovers are generally avoided at all costs, but during the decade
Pangborn Design Collection spent as a retail tenant in McNamara Terminal, customers from all over the world chose layovers in Detroit Metro Airport over direct flights to shop Dominic Pangborn's inventory of unique art, accessories and jewelry.
"We had unbelievable return customers," Pangborn says. "We had people say, 'I fly though Detroit purposely to shop at your business."
Those loyal customers will soon have a new destination to seek out when Pangborn Design Collection opens on Main Street this fall. The 2,000 square foot retail space will offer both Pangborn's own art, as well as a collection of unique items from other artists.
"Ann Arbor has always been a fabulous market," says Pangborn. "So many of our customer were flying out from Ann Arbor, so it was just a perfect fit. We always said if we can get into the right location in Ann Arbor, we've got to do it."
Pangborn has worked as an artist in Detroit since 1979, and his paintings are now sold all over the world. A regular public speaker himself, he plans to bring speakers, artists and educational opportunities to his shop for monthly events.
Pangborn Design Collection will begin their Main Street lease in Sept., and Pangborn hopes to open quickly after a brief renovation period. He intends to employ between five and 10 staff members.
Source: Dominic Pangborn, Pangborn Design Collection
Writer: Natalie Burg
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