The Hill business district in Grosse Pointe Farms, a stretch of stately architecture dominated in recent years by financial firms, is taking a step in a new direction with the opening of an upscale shoe and accessories store.
Capricious, located at 74 Kercheval Avenue, may help to liven up the strip of Kercheval Avenue that has lost retail shopping options in the last several years. In their place have come secure, but quiet offices, primarily for financial companies.
Behind the business - as well as others that have brought life and variety to The Hill, is Gretchen Valade, an heir to the Carhartt clothing fortune and founder of Jazz music label, Mack Avenue Records. Valade has been called the savior of Detroit's free jazz music festival since she bailed it out with a big donation. Her philanthropy is generous and widespread. And more and more she is making her name as a Pointer who gives back to her community by investing in new, quality businesses.
They include the
Dirty Dog Jazz Cafe, a supper club and jazz venue on
The Hill that attracts top names and puts out an award-winning menu.
A few doors down is
Morning Glory, a bakery and coffee house and after-dinner drink spot, that has built a solid customer base since opening in the summer of 2011.
Just across the street is Capricious, the new shoe store that will sell high-end brands as well as jewelry, scarves, belts and other accessories from a store decorated to convey posh. Capricious gives Pointers a destination that may keep them in the Pointes rather than heading to Somerset Collection in Troy for a shopping fix.
The grand opening of Capricious, which is creating at least three full-time jobs, is Nov. 15.
Writer: Kim North Shine
Source: Dawn Mitchell, assistant store manager
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