Pure Detroit

We did the tour of the Guardian building at 11 am and did the tour of the Fisher Building at 3 pm. Both were free, about an hour long, and very informative. Both guides did a great job. The Fisher tour includes going up to a high floor for views of the city. The Guardian tour also includes going outside and learning about other nearby building so dress appropriately.
Pure Detroit has a gift shop in both buildings where the tours begin. They sell lots of Michigan and Detroit pictures, postcards, products (Faygo), t-​shirts, etc. I ended up buying a Harvey purse and a photo of the Fox Theater.

Buyer Beware!!! I was looking at a Harvey purse and wallet at this location. I was on the fence about if I wanted to spend that much money but the sales person said «if you buy them and then don’t like them, you can always bring them back». I bought both but decided to return them the next day. Much to my chagrin, their return policy (which is not posted in the store or on the receipt) is the give a store credit. If the sales person had been honest and told me that when I was making the purchase, I would have never bought them. She called a «manager» over when I balked about the policy but he wouldn’t give me a refund. Every time I call the «customer service» number, nobody ever answers even when I call during their normal business hours. I’ve sent 5 emails to customer service and have never received a response. I will never shop there again. In my opinion, their business practices are very deceptive.

While in Detroit for one night, there seemed to be an absence of what I’ve seen in most other major cities: souvenir shops. A quick Unilocal search turned up Pure Detroit.
All I was looking for were refrigerator magnets. Everyone’s got something they like to get when they travel, and I always buy them for myself and my mom. Detroit was probably the first city I’ve visited where souvenir shops weren’t on every corner by Comerica Park or our hotel. Our hotel had a gift shop, but mostly it was stocked with expensive items like watches.
Pure Detroit had exactly what I needed. The variety of magnets was OK, and there were a lot of other interesting items in the store: t-​shirts, tote bags, post cards, but mostly things I had no interest in. The t-​shirts are a lot nicer than cheapie souvenir tourist trap crap — both in design and material. The variety of tourist trap crap was limited though — I’d call Pure Detroit «upscale souvenirs,» no lameass key chains, ceramic bells, or Beanie Babies here.
The bonus is that you get to walk through the Guardian building to get to the shop. It’s really just another professional building in a financial district, but the interior is pretty neat to look at.

Do not order from this company online. There is no customer service. If you have any problems with your order you will not be able to reach anyone through their listed email or customer service number.

Inside the beautiful Guarding Building — this is a great little store for Detroit gifts. They have a great selection of Detroit T-​shirts (some times they lack in carrying a lot of sizes). They have great books — some historical, some comedic and even a Detroit almanac — as well as art and other Detroit themed items.

I’ve always been a fan of Pure Detroit. I love the idea of repping the city in fashionable t-​shirts and other accessories.
The sizes, however, run SMALL. A woman’s large shirt is equivalent to a small. Seriously.
Also, there are no returns — only exchanges for store credit. I’m not crazy about that.
I still rep my Pure Detroit wear with pride.

This place is a great place to shop for Detroit stuff: T-​shirts, food, pictures, books — everything Detroit.
And what better place to shop for Detroit items than it Detroit’s historic art-​deco pantheon to finance — the Guardian Building!

Yes, I’m a tourist. I’m walking around your store to find something cool for my loved ones back in California. But first I must find something for myself because I’m here in Detroit. Not by choice but for my best friend’s wedding. Please don’t get me wrong. I came here with an open mind and exploring your side of world so that I can share all the wondrous happenings on this trip. I did some homework before I left California to visit you. Your website showed all the cool t-​shirts that I potentially want. And now I’m slightly disappointed that you didn’t have my size. Shopping online is not an option. I am here in your store and want to walk out with a sense of accomplishment. And as an added hospitality your associate that was helping me was bent over ass crack showing as he tried to look for my size in the display stand.
Thank you.
I am now scarred by this warm greeting and went home with one t-​shirt that says «Detroit Rock City».
ROCK ON!

I have always liked this brand, the t-​shirts are really cool and make a great gift. But my first time in their store was at this location.
The Guardian Building is really beautiful and impressive on the outside and on the inside. So it’s really cool that Pure Detroit is located in a very special building of Detroit. Shopping for special Detroit gifts is fun in here.
The store is located in the lobby and they have a range of apparel, cards, and Pewabic Pottery. They even have apparel in 100% organic cotton too! Did I mention seatbelt belts and seatbelt bags?! Made from cars of Detroit. There really is something for everyone on your list here.
After your finished shopping try the café in the center of the lobby that offers Illy coffee, delicious!