Third Man Records Marks 10 Years of Musical Innovation in Detroit

Music enthusiasts flocked to Third Man Records in Detroit’s Cass Corridor ten years ago, eager to celebrate the store’s grand opening. Many camped out overnight, ready to be among the first inside when the doors opened on Black Friday. A decade later, Third Man Records has not only established itself as a vital destination for music fans but has also become a cornerstone of the local retail community.

The 4,500-square-foot space features a vinyl pressing plant, recording studios, and a curated collection of music, books, and apparel. It also pays homage to Detroit’s rich musical heritage. “The philosophy has always been we want to be more than just a retail store — it’s a full-on sensory experience,” said Roe Peterhans, a representative of Third Man. Visitors can immerse themselves in a vibrant atmosphere reminiscent of a bustling street bazaar, exploring a wide range of genres and discovering new artists.

Ben Swank, one of the co-founders alongside Jack White and Ben Blackwell, emphasized the goal of fostering community connections. “The whole idea was to get people to quit buying this with the click of a mouse and go somewhere and meet people with similar tastes,” he stated. This vision has resonated with visitors, turning Third Man into a gathering place for music lovers.

Founded in 2001 as a record label by Jack White, Third Man Records has evolved significantly since its inception. Following the success of the White Stripes, who were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame on November 8, 2025, the brand launched its first storefront in Nashville in 2009. This location has since expanded three times and has inspired the opening of a second store in London’s Soho district.

“Back when we opened in Nashville, it was all very spontaneous,” recalled Blackwell, who also serves as the White Stripes’ historian. “We had little planning and just a few records to sell, but the excitement from people was immediate.” This enthusiasm paved the way for Third Man’s unique approach, including a mobile Rolling Record Store that travels to festivals and events.

The opening of the Detroit location was spurred by a collaboration with Shinola, a local watch and bicycle manufacturer. The prospect of building a pressing plant in the city excited the Third Man team. “It felt like we could come back and do something here,” Swank noted, reflecting on the positive changes occurring in Detroit.

The store’s location at 431 W. Canfield St. is rich in musical history, situated near venues where the White Stripes played their early shows. During a VIP party in 2015, White expressed pride in the store’s presence, stating, “It’s such a wonderful thing for Third Man Records to be here in the Cass Corridor, where so many of us made our bones.”

Since its opening, the interior of Third Man has become a visual tribute to music history, with brick walls adorned with neon lights and photographs of influential artists. The store specializes in vinyl records, offering limited edition releases alongside a variety of genres. Customers can also enjoy a book area with seating, tours of the pressing plant, and attractions such as a listening booth and a Voice-O-Graph self-recording booth.

Regular customers, including Ron Wade, a clinical assistant professor at the University of Michigan, appreciate the store’s unique offerings. “It’s not going to have the latest Taylor Swift album. Jack White is really good at curating a very select amount of music,” Wade stated. “You can discover artists you may have never heard of that are going to be influential to the music you hear in the future.”

Over the years, Third Man has hosted numerous performances, including visits from legends like Iggy Pop and events celebrating local musicians. For instance, saxophonist Dave McMurray held a free concert at the store to celebrate his latest album release.

The commitment to community engagement remains strong. “It’s important to be part of the community,” Swank said. “It’s a large enough space to do lots of things.” The goal is to create a holistic experience where visitors can perform, record, and purchase music all under one roof.

As the store prepares for its 10th anniversary celebrations, including special releases and events, the focus remains on future growth. “Now you have to keep reminding people you’re there and keep giving them reasons to come,” Blackwell explained.

Third Man Records continues to embrace its role in Detroit’s musical landscape, inviting fans to explore and engage with music in a way that transcends mere consumption. The store is located at 431 W. Canfield St., Detroit, and can be reached at 313-209-5205 or through their website at thirdmanrecords.com.