December 14th 2024.
Dear valued customers,
It is with a heavy heart that we announce the indefinite closure of our beloved downtown Detroit wine shop and bar, House of Pure Vin. As many of you know, this Black woman-owned business was founded by Regina Gaines and has been a staple in the community for the past nine years. We regret to inform you that our last day of business will be on December 27, 2024.
In a recent newsletter sent out on December 10, we shared our decision to close our doors earlier than planned. The newsletter stated, "After nine incredible years, it has been determined that House of Pure Vin will begin its soft closing, with our last day open to the public on Dec. 27, 2024. House of Pure Vin has been more than a wine shop. It has been a home for connection, culture, and celebration. Together, we've created unforgettable memories, and none of it would have been possible without your love and support."
House of Pure Vin first opened its doors in September 2015, thanks to the partnership of Regina Gaines, Terry Mullins, and Andrea Dunbar. With an initial investment of $450,000, we were one of the first new businesses to join the growing wave of revitalization in downtown Detroit. Not only did we bring business to the area, but we also provided employment opportunities in a location with a thriving office-worker community of about 40,000 people within the central business district.
We want to take this opportunity to thank you, our loyal customers, for your unwavering support throughout the years. Regina hopes to personally express her gratitude to each and every one of you at a later date. Let's make these final weeks together unforgettable.
As reported by Craine's Detroit Business, House of Pure Vin initially only offered a wine club and themed tasting events, catering to both experienced wine lovers and curious beginners. However, as we gained more traction, we expanded our offerings to include an outdoor patio, a full bar, and a full food menu.
While we did not explicitly state the reason for our closure, it is no secret that the COVID-19 pandemic has greatly impacted our business. In May of 2022, Regina shared that the House wine business had seen a 30% decline in retail sales due to the pandemic. She explained, "Yeah, things may seem normal in the neighborhoods, but not downtown. People aren't in their offices. Even restaurants aren't opening until 4 o'clock. There are only a few places open for lunch. Normal to me is the person taking a casual walk at lunch and stopping in [at House of Pure Vin]. It's companies buying cases for work parties. I'm next to a WeWork and in front of Bamboo Detroit, where a lot of people meet, and they're just not there."
Once again, we want to express our gratitude to all of our customers for being a part of the House of Pure Vin story. We will miss serving you and creating unforgettable memories together. Thank you for your support and understanding.
Cheers,
The House of Pure Vin Team
P.S. Have you heard about our founder, Regina Gaines' latest venture? Check out her affordable wine collection, now available at Target!
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