July 8, 2025
The model’s first retail retailer has opened in Detroit’s airport.
Two Morehouse graduates are taking their Eastside Golf model again to their hometown of Detroit.
When Olajuwon Ajanaku and Earl Cooper first began the golf attire model, they initiated a motion that linked a youthful viewers with numerous pursuits in golf. Their thought went on to safe thousands and thousands in enterprise funding in 2024, gaining $3.4 million by means of EP Gold Ventures. In line with AFROTech, the initiative was developed by means of a partnership between the Skilled Golfers’ Affiliation of America (PGA) and Elysian Park Ventures.
Since then, they’ve scored new premium partnerships with the likes of the NFL, MLB, NBA, and Jordan Model, with a footwear collaboration with Nike. Now, the rising founders are returning to their roots, increasing alternatives with Eastside Golf by means of its first retail retailer, selecting Detroit for the distinction.
Each males have deep ties to the world, with Cooper hailing from Flint. Even earlier than this historic feat, Cooper additionally made historical past as the primary Black PGA instructing skilled on the Detroit Golf Membership. Nonetheless, it was in Detroit the place Ajanaku sparked the concept of Eastside, and it was additionally there that the town’s folks confirmed him love for the preliminary design.
“I got here up with the concept for Eastside Golf whereas I used to be working in finance in Detroit,” Ajanaku stated in a press launch obtained by the information outlet.
He added, “I bear in mind exhibiting Earl a sketch of our Swingman emblem, and he recommended I put it on a t-shirt. I did, and I used to be stopped so many occasions whereas I used to be strolling round Detroit by folks asking the place I received this shirt. At that time, I knew there was one thing there, and Eastside Golf was born. With that historical past, it simply feels proper to open our first retailer right here.”
The transfer to their very own location follows the model’s success at different shops, with this newest enterprise co-operated by Paradies Lagardère. The retail administration firm praised Eastside Golf for its connection of the game to streetwear trend and tradition.
“Eastside Golf transcends tradition, music, streetwear and golf, creating clothes that appeals to each golfers and non-golfers alike,” added Aaron Bonham, senior vice chairman and chief merchandising officer at Paradies Lagardère, stated within the presser. “As golf continues to achieve extra cultural relevancy and credibility, we anticipate this retailer will carry out extremely effectively and sit up for increasing our partnership by means of our PGA TOUR Retailers and future Eastside Golf areas.”
Now, their brick-and-mortar retailer reigns on the Detroit Worldwide Airport’s Terminal A. The 300-square-foot area will function Eastside Golf attire and equipment, together with its Swingman sweatshirts, tracksuits, and important polo shirts.
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