JC Reindl

Detroit Free Press

Trendy eyewear retailer Warby Parker is preparing to open a shop in downtown Detroit, filling another once-vacant storefront along Woodward.

The New York City-based company was issued a building permit last week for renovations to the ground floor of 1449 Woodward. This retail space is between the Woodhouse Day Spa and the newly opened Kit + Ace store.

Started in 2010, Warby Parker designs and sells eyeglasses and sunglasses that are typically priced between $95 and $145. The company began as an online-only retailer and has since opened more than 30 shop locations. Warby Parker's eyewear was initially associated with a "hipster" aesthetic and acquired a broad audience as its popularity grew.

A representative on Tuesday confirmed the company is planning a Detroit location. The store is to open sometime this year.

Dan Gilbert's Bedrock Detroit real estate firm, which owns the building, also confirmed the store was coming to Detroit.

“We’re excited to add Warby Parker to our growing retail portfolio in downtown Detroit. This brand entering the Detroit market is a significant sign of Woodward Avenue’s continued momentum as a major shopping destination.” Dan Mullen, Bedrock executive vice president, said in an e-mail

Another formerly online-only retailer, Bonobos, recently posted help-wanted ads for a potential Detroit store location. That retailer is also based in New York City and sells preppy men's clothing.

There has been speculation that Detroit-based Shinola could introduced its own brand of eyewear. This year, a Shinola representative told the Chicago Tribune that it could open an eyewear factory on Chicago's south side by 2017.

However, on Tuesday, a Shinola spokeswoman told the Free Press the company has nothing to report related to eyewear, but is gearing up for "exciting products launches and announcements coming this fall."

Locally-owned Optik Birmingham, which specializes in vintage and contemporary eyewear, had a temporary pop-up store this spring near Cass and Canfield in Midtown. The company is scouting locations for a potential full-time location in the city, owner Dr. Joe Ales said. Optik's flagship store is on West Maple in downtown Birmingham.

Contact JC Reindl: 313-222-6631, jcreindl@freepress.com or on Twitter@JCReindl