Surely, the online-meets-brick-and-mortar model is one that is particularly common nowadays, from jewelry and fashion outlets to furniture and plant stores—but for 6th and Detroit, the “every era” furniture and house shop that opened in Long Beach’s East Village Arts District in 2016, and its owner Michelle Qazi, well, they were ahead of the curve.
And now, the shop will be leaving its home of nearly a decade in 2024 to take on the indie-shop rich neighborhood of Belmont Heights at 4th Street and Termino Avenue.
It’s not an ending but a ‘bold beginning’ for 6th and Detroit
Eight years is no small feat—especially in small business. Especially in small business retail. Especially in retail that revolves around home and interior decor. And especially when that decor is largely made up of salvaged pieces scoured for through estate and garage sales.
And Qazi’s loyal following online and in face-to-face shopping encounters—where wicker, rattan and peacock chairs are found on the regular in her store—have helped booster her not just as an interior designer but a storeowner as well.
“Downtown has been the home for 6th And Detroit for eight years,” Qazi said. “It’s where the stores roots are and will always be. I’ve met such incredible people, partnered with amazing local businesses and built lasting friendships throughout the years—but in all honesty, I’m just really excited for this new chapter in Belmont Heights.”
The move to 412 Termino Ave. puts her in a retail rich neighborhood: There’s Twig & Willow, the long-running fashion boutique at 4th Street and Grand Avenue, as well as the original Plantiitas location and Prism, the much-loved jewelry shop, at her interaction.
And it also reflects the permanent roots she’s established here in Long Beach: In 2021, her and her husband, Karim, purchased what Qazi largely considers her dream home. A 2,110-square-foot mid-century modern masterpiece—designed by architect William Lockett as his own personal residence and built in 1957—that is now the childhood home of her two children, Hamilton and Davis.
For Qazi, the permanent investment in Long Beach as a homeowner combined with her need to embrace a different part of the Long Beach community is key to her moving 6th and Detroit.
“This move isn’t just about changing our address—it’s about embracing a new community and evolving my business during a challenging climate for small shops,” Qazi said. “Us leaving Downtown isn’t an ending, it signifies a bold beginning—and I look forward to the new possibilities this move will bring.”
How did 6th and Detroit get to where it’s at?
Born in Laguna Nigel, Qazi opted to escape the lull and quietness for quite the antithetical vibe: Squished between La Brea and Miracle Mile, she found her first post-nest apartment at 6th and Detroit Streets in Los Angeles, around the corner from La Brea Bakery.
It was here and during this time that she was forced to scour flea markets, garage sales, estate sales, and alleyways to decorate her tiny-but-mighty space that she got to call her own. Come 2015, she launched an Etsy shop which featured the type of things she felt weren’t represented—and come just one year later, she moved into the shop she is currently at in Downtown Long Beach.
“Mid-century modern trends were at an all-time high then—and somewhat in a sense now, still are—but my style was very drawn to the 70s as well,” Qazi said. “Marrying the two is what made the shop so unique, as well as, incorporating plants for sale throughout. If someone comes in and leaves feeling inspired, that’s all that matters.”
The shop soon became known as the “every era” store, where Qazi’s love of neutrals began blending with an aesthetic that spanned well beyond mid-century modern and 70s aesthetics into the 80s, 90s, and contemporary styles.
6th and Detroit’s new location will be at 412 Termino Ave. They will continue to operate in their DTLB location at 105-B Linden Ave. until the end of March 2024.
