Rachel's Place
Corktown's Quirky Vintage Clothier
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Corktown's Quirky Vintage Clothier
Tucked away on a quiet, residential street in North Corktown is a charming vintage shop with a friendly, intimate atmosphere and a vast selection of rare fashion finds. You wouldn’t expect to find any retail in the historic brownstone apartment building that houses Rachel’s Place. The canyon of I-75 separates it from the rows of businesses lining Michigan Avenue, though they’re visible from the front steps. Nevertheless, owner Rachel Leggs has found great success in an unassuming location with zero advertising budget.
When asked about what inspired her to open Rachel’s Place in 2008, Leggs responds, “I’ve got to show you this,” and momentarily disappears behind the checkout counter, eventually pulling out an old-time, black-and-white, State Fair photo of a bunch of kids huddled around their grandfather, all dressed up in 1930s period costumes. “That’s me,” she says, pointing to a young girl with a big smile in the photo. “I’ve always been like a dress-up queen.”
Leggs turned a lifelong obsession into a lucrative business, drawing in customers with her eclectic collection of women’s clothing and accessories, along with some menswear — much of it from old-school Detroit retail institutions like Hudson’s, Himelhoch’s, Winkleman’s, Jacobson’s and Henry the Hatter. Her two-story shop, expanding soon with an additional floor upstairs and vintage furniture and housewares next door, is full of unique merchandise to dig through; the floors, wall racks and closets are literally crammed with merchandise.
The secret to Leggs’ success? “I’ve just got good, good stuff,” she says. Customer service is also a factor, as Leggs is always eager to help shoppers find something that’s perfect for them. “I am a professional stylist and I do wardrobe,” Leggs explains. “I know a lot about body types and fibers and just women, period.”
If you plan to stumble around Corktown during the St. Patrick’s Day Parade on March 14th, Leggs will be offering a storewide sale, free parking to all customers and — weather permitting — select merch outside to get us in that spring spirit. Celebrate the holiday by hoisting a few pints and then bring your lowered inhibitions back to Rachel’s Place for some impulse shopping. | RDW
Rachel’s Place • Tuesday through Saturday, 12 to 6 p.m.; Sunday, 12 to 4 p.m. • 2124 Pine St., Detroit • 313.964.9008
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