Owner: Erin Gavle + Chris Miele
Location: 1700 Michigan Ave
Opened: 2013
Website: www.eldoradogeneralstore.com
Social handles: @eldoradogeneralstore
What makes Eldorado special?
As the first retail space in Corktown to open since the Old Tiger Stadium closed, we have loved welcoming in neighbors and guests from around the world to across the street.
We're a mission driven business and have been sharing the mantra "people and planet over profits" since 2013. Eldorado was created to introduce and encourage the conversation around purchasing power, supporting female entrepreneurs, backyard economics, and to help provide funding to minorities and indigenous people around the world. With the help of our community, we've been able to support thousands of artists, makers, and small business owners over the better part of a decade. We've also been able to provide above livable wage jobs to women living in the city of Detroit - most within our neighborhood. We stock mostly female/minority small business owners and makers in the shop as well as a number of local artists. A portion of our profits go towards the First Nations Development Fund.
Why Corktown?
The neighborhood is drastically different now - more of everything exists in our small neighborhood. But in 2013, we chose Corktown because we were choosing not only a place to open a business, but a place to live (we lived above the shop for 8 years). There wasn’t a place to get a shirt, or pick up a locally made gift. Or most importantly, create a space for people to connect and share nice things about Detroit that didn’t involve eating or drinking.
We’ve loved being neighbors with so many inspiring small business owners over the years. It was especially fulfilling to be alongside so many small business owners taking risks in the post-bankruptcy era by opening up spaces along Michigan Ave. We’ve been very humbled and honored to be listed in publications that help put Corktown and our city on the map globally.
How has the CBA impacted your business?
Once a member of the CBA Board and Events Director, some of my proudest accomplishments for our community involve founding two neighborhood wide events: Spring Into Corktown and Corktown Aglow that encouraged gathering in our community and providing free family activities.
In 2016, the CBA helped connect us to a grant with The Knight's Foundation and The People's First Project that helped make our neighborhood more walkable and pedestrian friendly.
During the last few years, the CBA helped connect our business to grant funding opportunities that helped propel our business forward - being able to provide more women in Detroit above living wage jobs in creative fields while in turn strengthening and growing our business with a more consistent social/online presence.
What are some goals or upcoming announcements?
We’re so humbled to be celebrating our 9th year in Corktown. It’s been such a beautiful journey watching the city and neighborhood grow alongside us.
We have been quietly growing and building Eldorado and its offerings over the last few years. In 2018 Erin launched two more businesses under the Eldorado holding company - Delilah Simone LLC and Eldorado Abode LLC.
Online Shopping - As any retail owner will tell you, an online shop is an entirely different business model than a brick and mortar. We have been working since 2020 to have a fully stocked online website for our out of town “regulars.” We’re currently implementing social and online strategies across all platforms to support our website traffic and we’re excited to be launching purchasing options on our social channels.
Delilah Simone - a best selling Detroit handmade jewelry line created by owner, Erin Gavle, specializing in 14gf and sterling silver earrings and necklaces that focus on inclusive price points (most under $40). This year, we officially created a wholesale aspect of Delilah Simone. We’re excited to continue growing our wholesale offerings beyond jewelry and into other categories.
Eldorado Abode - a stay experience. Two rentable loft spaces designed in Eldorado vibes: 1 bedroom/1 bathroom loft and a studio penthouse Loft. Whether you’re looking to stay in Corktown, have a small workshop/gathering, or have a photoshoot, Eldorado Abode is the perfect cozy and fully stocked spot right in the heart of Corktown.
All of our growth stems from the needs of our community and we look forward to continuing to find authentic ways to provide for our visitors and neighbors for years to come.
