BERKLEY, Mich. (WJBK) -- Detroit Motor Apparel is a small, home based business that operates out of a basement in Berkley. The owners say things were going well until they sent out a pitch to local retailers asking them to consider alternatives to Kid Rock's popular Made in Detroit brand.
"I also said with some of the negative attention surrounding Made in Detroit lately, some companies are looking for other options," said Colleen McClue.
That, obviously, touched a nerve because Made in Detroit President Tommy Duback admits calling McClue and telling her never to mention the company's name again.
"And that he would make sure that our brands were never sold in the same store again," McClue said.
Two days later, a Royal Oak business that was selling Detroit Motor Apparel's T-shirts along with Made in Detroit left this message cancelling their contract.
"The bottom line is I need to remain loyal to them, and I would just appreciate if we could return what we have left to you and just not go forward."
"So, now we've been kicked out of a store, which means in the future, we would actually lose business and profit because now they will not reorder from us," said McClue. "He made it sound like they would also stop us from future business opportunities, as well. That no matter where we sell, if they carry Made in Detroit, that they will not carry both of us."
We spoke to Duback by phone and to the owner of the store in question. Both say it was the store's decision to cancel the contract and Made in Detroit did not pressure them into doing it.
Duback went on to say Kid Rock bought Made in Detroit to help local retailers and mom and pop operations.
Detroit Motor Apparel says while their basement business has taken a hit, they will keep making T-shirts and selling them online and at Wayne Community College bookstores and looking for other retailers to spread their version of Motor City pride.
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