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History
Leon & Lulu is an independently owned and operated, 15,000 square foot furniture, accessory and gift store, located in an historic roller skating rink in southeast Michigan. When the store opened, on April 1, 2006, many people said the owners were foolish indeed to start a business in one of the worst economies in the nation, but we are happy to report that independent retail is alive and flourishing, even in the dreadful Michigan economic climate.
The owners of the store have extensive retail experience. Stephen Scannell, also known as The Back Boss, is a veteran of 30 years in the card, gift and accessory business. His loving wife, The Front Boss, is Mary Liz Curtin who grew up in retail at her mother’s side. She is a well known speaker, columnist and author who specializes in independent retail. They are proud to be mom-and-pop shopkeepers and have built a business unlike any other.
Leon & Lulu is named after a 17 year old cat, Leon Redbone Jones, who does not choose to work at the store (or anywhere else), and a very dainty 120 pound Rottweiler named Lulu, who was the official greeter. Lulu died of cancer last October. Her successor, Tulu Trixie, shows very little aptitude for retail. Their teen aged children also work in the business, with varying degrees of enthusiasm.
Mary Liz and Stephen remain happily married, even after renovating the building, opening the store and working together for the past 18 months. The renovation of the building, which was completed on a very tight budget of $125,000, took ten months, with Stephen doing the building design, initial floor layout and most of the construction.
The Ambassador Roller Rink
Part of the charm of the store is the building itself. The Ambassador Roller Rink is a local landmark and still boasts the original floor, hockey scoreboard and over three hundred pairs of skates, which are used in displays throughout the store. Leon & Lulu has a warm, welcoming feel that encourages shoppers to linger. The space is viable for upscale destination retail and effective for hosting large charity events while retaining and respecting the history of the roller rink.
