Sheffield taps former Bedrock exec to attract national retailers

July 14, 2026

Detroit Mayor Mary Sheffield has appointed Addofio Addo, a former Bedrock executive, as the city's first director of retail attraction with an annual salary of $125,000. Addo, who previously facilitated major retail openings like Rihanna's Savage X Fenty store and Apple's downtown location, will work to bring both national brands and local businesses to Detroit's neighborhood commercial corridors. This position supports Sheffield's "neighborhood anchor plan" aimed at strengthening economic development outside downtown areas so residents can shop closer to home.

Who is affected

Detroit residents and neighborhood shoppers
Existing small business owners, specifically Lola Lucania Black (owner of Lucania Lavish Couture) and Sevyn Jones (owner of Skin Bar VII)
National and regional retail brands being recruited
Detroit Economic Growth Corporation (DEGC)
Neighborhood commercial corridors throughout Detroit

What action is being taken

Addofio Addo is serving in his new role as director of retail attraction
Addo is marketing the city to national and regional brands
Addo is leading the city's retail attraction strategy
Addo is working with the Detroit Economic Growth Corporation to improve business development

Why it matters

This initiative addresses a significant need for Detroit neighborhoods to have accessible retail options, allowing residents to shop locally rather than traveling outside their communities. The position represents a strategic economic development effort to strengthen neighborhood commercial corridors beyond the downtown core, potentially creating jobs and increasing tax revenue while improving quality of life for residents. The success of this role could determine whether Detroit can balance attracting major retailers with supporting existing small businesses that form the backbone of neighborhood economies.

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: bridgedetroit.com