If you’ve been searching Ann Arbor for the perfect pair of shoes or the coolest new clothes, the hunt ends on Saturday. Although Pink Pump (formerly known as Shoe Envy) will celebrate its grand opening on August 14, lucky shoppers and Ann Arbor Art Fair attendees will get a sneak peek during the store’s soft opening on July 10. From Saturday until the grand opening, Pink Pump will be running specials and promotions, including 15% off merchandise. The Ann Arbor store will be located in the former John Leidy shop next to the Michigan Theater on East Liberty, which has been vacant since February.

Tawny Thieu founded Shoe Envy in June 2006 in Keego Harbor, Michigan. She quickly expanded to a 1,700 square foot store in the heart of Bloomfield Hills (also known as “the Beverly Hills of Michigan”), and the store became the best-kept secret in town. In June 2009 the secret was out; Shoe Envy opened another location in downtown Birmingham, Michigan. Shoe Envy officially changed its name to Pink Pump at the same time, to allow for brand-building and franchising opportunities.

Community giving and involvement are essential to Pink Pump’s business philosophy. This summer, the company will hold a “Rep Your City” campaign at each store. According to Tawny, “Each city, including Ann Arbor, will have Pink Pump T-shirts with the area’s ZIP code…$10 from [the purchase of] each shirt will be going back to a local charity. We’re going to donate to the public schools in each community because we have a lot of teachers who shop with us and, with all the budget cuts, we hear they are spending more and more out of pocket.”

Pink Pump’s August grand opening will feature a DJ, light food and drinks, and in-store promotions. The store is also planning to work with local artists in Ann Arbor to showcase their work. They’ll also be carrying their own private brand, the Pink Pump label, with all items made in Michigan and priced $100 or less.

Shopping for that “just right” pair of shoes or T-shirt can be great fun, and so can looking for the perfect condominium or home in Ann Arbor. Shop from the comfort of home by taking a tour of communities and condos throughout Washtenaw County. Martin Bouma – your Ann Arbor neighborhood expert – can meet virtually all of your Ann Arbor real estate needs. Be sure to check out our Condo Hotline for locations both right downtown, and throughout the Ann Arbor condominium market. The Bouma Group can answer any questions you have about real estate in Ann Arbor, whether you’re buying or selling a home or condo. If you’re interested in Washtenaw County, Saline, or a specific Ann Arbor neighborhood, call the Bouma Group today!