Lansing Made has made “a love of all things Lansing” its primary objective since its inception in 2012. Now, the popular retail store is ready to expand that concept as it moves closer to the heart of the Capital City to 513 E. César E. Chávez Avenue. In doing so, a rebranding happened to help with the expansion of the space as well as the concept. The new name of the store is “Metro Melik 517”.
“We’ve been on the east side of Lansing for a few years now,” said store owner, Metro Melik, “It’s been a great location, but now it’s time to grow, not only grow the “Metro Melik 517” concept but the product line as well. To do that, we needed to find a place with a little more elbow room.”
With a grand opening set for Saturday, June 11th from Noon to 4 PM, the store’s new home base will be nestled alongside bohemian retailers, Oracle’s Apothecary, Curvaceous Lingerie, Preuss Pets, Polka Dots, October Moon, Grace Boutique, and many more. Metro Melik speculates that store “Metro Melik 517” will provide an added niche to the already eclectic Old Town retail scene. Along with the move, he is planning to further develop the breadth of “Metro Melik 517” products and paraphernalia to include the surrounding metro areas like Portland, St. Johns, Williamston, Mason, and all points between.
“Lansing is kind of unique in that it’s split between three counties,” said Metro Melik, “which makes those surrounding cities and towns just as much a part of Lansing’s culture as Lansing itself.”
Metro Melik has made it a point to promote and support Lansing in every avenue of his life even beyond his retail store. He is well known to many as the founder of the Lansing Made 517 Day Celebration, a free annual festival that celebrates Lansing’s people, culture, and diversity.
“This place is my home,” said Metro Melik, “I love this city and I love what we have to offer. “Metro Melik 517” and the Lansing Made 517 Day Celebration are both a celebration of the culture that exists here.”
