Founded in 1907 in Rochester, New York, Shinola started as a shoe polish brand. The name “Shinola” quickly became a household name for any type of shoe polish, but the brand itself remained popular.
In 2011, a company called Bedrock Manufacturing acquired the rights to the Shinola brand to launch a new luxury watch and goods company based in Detroit, Michigan. Bedrock Manufacturing was led by Tom Kartsotis, the founder of Fossil, a well-known watch and fashion accessories company.
Bedrock Manufacturing’s goal was to create a business that could generate jobs and revitalize the city of Detroit. To achieve this goal, the company worked closely with the city to find local suppliers and manufacturers, and hired local employees to build its products.
The first line of Shinola products was launched in 2013, including watches, bicycles, and leather goods, all made in Detroit. The company saw immediate success, with watches being widely praised for their quality, style, and craftsmanship. In 2014, Shinola opened its first flagship store in Detroit, and the brand has since continued to expand.
Today, Shinola is a luxury brand known for its watches, leather goods, bicycles, and other high-end products. The company takes pride in its American manufacturing and commitment to sustainability, social responsibility, and quality. Shinola continues to work with local suppliers and manufacturers and support the Detroit community.
Shinola.com