July 23, 2025

The contemporary store pays homage to the thriving Detroit artist and artisan market culture, offering travelers at DTW a unique and modern shopping experience. The store doesn’t just showcase art; it embodies Detroit’s spirit. It is a testament to Detroit’s artistic prowess, providing a modern, immersive, and community-driven shopping experience that reflects the city’s vibrant soul.

WHSmith North America assembled an outstanding team of ACDBE and local partners to create the joint venture that spearheaded the project. J|D was joined by Pady Regnier of Airport Retail Group and Roslyn Karamoko of Detroit is the New Black to round out the visionary crew.

“J|D was built in a small office space inside DTW, and over the past 25 years, this city’s grit and creativity has inspired our journey from small company to one with a national footprint,” said Darryl Daniels, CEO of J|D. “Being involved in the opening of Imagine Michigan is a full-circle moment for us. It’s a tribute to where we began and the culture of innovation and artistry that defines Detroit.”

J|D’s Director of Operations, Yolanda Woodruff, played a key role in curating the merchandise and working with local Detroit vendors. “Thanks to our partnership with WHSmith, we were able to bring a thoughtfully curated sense of place to DTW Airport by leveraging our relationships with local area brands, vendors, artists, and artisans that represent the heart and soul of Detroit,” said Yolanda. “Our current selection of goods includes soy candles from Sasha’s Candles, groovy wide brim hats from Raven Blanche Studio, upcycled jewelry from Rebel Nell, leather accessories from Bespoke By Feldman, and so many more treasures.”

“We look forward to exploring what makes Detroit unique and channeling these aspects into our charming retail spaces for travelers to take a piece of the city wherever their journey takes them,” said CEO of WHSmith North America, Huw Chrys-Williams.

Travelers can visit Imagine Michigan, located inside the Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport’s McNamara Terminal near Gate A36, open 7 days a week from 6:00 am to 9:00 pm.

About Jacobsen|Daniels

Jacobsen|Daniels is a professional consulting services firm specializing in airport facility planning, implementation, and operation. A certified ACDBE, DBE, and MBE firm founded in 2001, J|D is headquartered in Michigan with additional offices in California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Louisiana, Missouri, and Texas. J|D consultants bring years of experience performing planning, implementation, and operational services at small-, medium-, and large-hub commercial airports throughout the country. The expertise we bring helps airport, airline, rental car, and other industry representatives to be more informed, efficient, and effective in the planning and implementation of development programs and capital projects.

About WHSmith North America

WHSmith is a leading global travel retailer with more than 1,700 stores in over 30 countries. In 2018, the company acquired InMotion, the largest airport-based technology retailer in North America, and in 2019, it acquired Marshall Retail Group (MRG), a leading specialty retailer in the airport and casino-resort marketplace. WHSmith North America, which includes MRG and InMotion, now operates more than 340 specialty retail stores in airports and resorts across the continent.

Media Contact

Kurt Schwager
Chief Business Development Officer
Phone # 314.713.1319
Kurt.Schwager@jacobsendaniels.com