JC
Jason Carbary
Mar 9, 2026
I visited the Oliver Peoples store in SoHo while I was on vacation and had a truly wonderful experience. The store itself felt calm, beautiful, and thoughtfully designed, which is exactly what you hope for from a brand like Oliver Peoples. But what really made the visit memorable was my salesperson, Kera. She was fantastic. She took her time, walked me through several frames, and made the whole experience feel relaxed and personal instead of rushed. You can tell when someone genuinely wants you to leave with the right pair, and that’s exactly how it felt.
I ended up purchasing the OV5393U frames, which I’m very excited about. They’re exactly what I was hoping for. Classic, distinctive, and beautifully made. They feel like something you can wear every day but still feel special.
The only thing I wish was different is that there isn’t an Oliver Peoples location anywhere in Michigan.
And honestly, Detroit would be the perfect place for one.
Detroit is having an incredible moment right now. The city was recently named City of the Year in the Wallpaper Design Awards*, recognizing the city’s design culture, architecture, and creative revival.
At the same time, both The New York Times and Travel + Leisure have named Detroit one of the best places to travel in the world, highlighting the city’s food, culture, architecture, and growing design scene.
When you walk through Downtown Detroit, you understand why.
There’s a real appreciation there for craftsmanship and design. Brands like Gucci, Le Labo, Tecovas, and Shinola have all opened downtown locations and they fit naturally into the city’s character. Detroit values authenticity and well-made products, which is exactly what Oliver Peoples represents.
And the location really matters.
I wouldn’t want to see Oliver Peoples in a suburb like Birmingham, and I wouldn’t want to see it inside Somerset Collection. Those places already have luxury retail, but they don’t have the same energy.
What would be incredible is a boutique in Downtown Detroit, somewhere along Woodward Avenue near the Shinola Hotel or in the Shinola District. That area has become one of the most exciting retail corridors in the Midwest. Between the architecture, the walkable streets, the restaurants, and the design culture, it would feel like a natural home for the brand.
My experience in SoHo was fantastic and Kera made it memorable. I’m really excited about the OV5393U frames I purchased and can’t wait to receive them. The only small thing I wish existed would be clip-on sunglasses specifically designed for that frame, which would make them even more versatile.
But more than anything, I really hope Oliver Peoples seriously considers Downtown Detroit one day. I know I wouldn’t be the only one excited to see it there.