Pierre Paul Design adds more art, services in new Washtenaw Ave. space

Pierre Paul Design has moved to a new home just a brief walk away from its former Washtenaw Ave. location. Though the distance may be small, in all other ways, the move was a big one. The new storefront, which was the former home of a PNC Bank branch in the Arlington Square Shopping Center, is 800 square feet larger than the previous Pierre Paul space, is on the first floor rather than second, and is much more visible to passersby. 

 

"We needed more room," says Pierre Paul owner Lee Gilles. "We were more a destination business before. We're now more of a standard retail store, but everything here is connected to original art." 

 

In addition to adding room, Pierre Paul Design has introduced new inventory, services and partnerships since the Dec. 21 move. The retail space now offers interior design services to the public, and includes a growing variety of original gifts under $100. Among the new inventory are wares from local organizations, such as the Arbor Opera Theater and Cleary University, that will be sold to support the non-profits. 

 

"It's a win-win situation," says Gilles. "We're reaching out to community organizations that are connected to the arts to raise money for them, and they bring us unique products to sell."

 

With a highly visible storefront and more traditional retail offerings, Gilles is expanding his hours and business days to mirror the nearby Arbor Hills Crossing. He plans to expand his four-person staff by at least three to accommodate the new seven-day schedule and later hours.