ANN ARBOR – Eighteen Main Street-area business owners and managers met at Sweetwater's Coffee on Washington Street at 7:45 a.m. Thursday to fuel up on coffee and croissants before a two-hour walk-around tour.
Headed by Maura Thomson, executive director of the Main Street Area Association, the group took off on a chilly walk through downtown to get to know each other and learn more about their respective shops ahead of the busy holiday season.
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(Photo: Meredith Bruckner)
"I started doing the walk around for a number of reasons," Thomson explained, who started the tradition five years ago. "Brick-and-mortar retailers have to do more than just sell products. They have to provide an experience and they have to be committed to impeccable customer service. Part of good customer service is being able to help your customers with their shopping needs whether it's in your store or down the street."
Literati Bookstore
The first stop was Literati, the beloved bookstore owned by husband and wife team Mike and Hilary Gustafson.
Literati will be celebrating Midnight Madness from 5 p.m. - midnight on Dec. 1.
During those hours, customers can enjoy 20 percent off all journals and notebooks and a free Literati bookstore mug with any $50 purchase while supplies last.
(Photo: Meredith Bruckner)
124 E. Washington St.
Le Bon Macaron
This holiday season at Le Bon Macaron is centered on its gift boxes. During Midnight Madness, customers can enjoy a free macaron (worth $2 each) with the purchase of any gift box.
The shop is also currently featuring a Drink of the Week (this week it is a warm spiced latte) -- be sure to stop in to ask for one and enjoy a complimentary macaron.
Special holiday-flavored macarons include:
- Candy Cane
- Chocolate
- Ferrero Rocher
- Cranberry
(Photo: Meredith Bruckner)
209 S. Fourth Ave.
Cherry Republic
Also known for its gift boxes that have a distinctly Michigan feel, the store is offering free gift-boxing and a $9.95 flat shipping rate for the holiday season.
During Midnight Madness, it is selling gift tins for $10 and all the merchandise you can fit in the tin will be an additional 15 percent off. Their locally sourced (and delicious) products are a hit across the U.S. and make great gifts -- so get your cherry on!
(Photo: Meredith Bruckner)
(Photo: Meredith Bruckner)
223 S. Main St.
Joy Ann Arbor
This gorgeous converted yoga/pilates/Gyrotonic studio has only been open for a month.
The owner demonstrated on a number of her machines and explained all the workouts her studio has to offer.
During Midnight Madness, guests can come in and enjoy:
- 10 percent off gift card
- Bubbly
- Live music
- Chair massages
- Mystery gifts
- Warm up and mingle
(Photo: Meredith Bruckner)
214 S. Main St.
Rock Paper Scissors
During Midnight Madness, customers to this whimsical gift, stationery and decorative store will enjoy 20 percent off one item.
Holiday schedule/workshops:
Saturday, Nov. 18 - Sip & Script Gourd-geous Workshop ($45)
- Learn how to create a gorgeous Thanksgiving table display with the hand-lettering technique
Saturday, Dec. 2: Annual North Pole Breakfast ($30)
- Held just down the block at The Pretzel Bell, kids can enjoy yummy food and holiday crafts
Saturday, Dec. 16: Merry "Craftsmiths" workshop (details coming soon)
January: New workshops every week
Owner Lisa Mattison Roberts gives a holiday presentation (Photo: Meredith Bruckner)
(Photo: Meredith Bruckner)
216 S. Main St.
Vault of Midnight
The ultimate destination for comic book and game lovers!
On Black Friday, customers will enjoy lots of discounts and gift wrapping will officially begin.
During Midnight Madness, it will hold its annual Christmas tree lighting soiree. Customers can bring in ornaments to decorate the tree and will receive a limited edition sticker.
(Photo: Meredith Bruckner)
219 S. Main St.
Ten Thousand Villages
This store is a unique nonprofit retailer that sells beautiful handmade crafts from all over the world. Many of its employees are volunteers who support the mission of selling fair trade products.
The entire weekend of Black Friday, customers can buy one and get a second item 50 percent off from its case jewelry, costume jewelry and ornament collections.
During Midnight Madness, guests will enjoy a 20 percent discount store wide from 10 a.m.-midnight.
(Photo: Meredith Bruckner)
(Photo: Meredith Bruckner)
303 S. Main St.
Roeda Studio
This store, launched by passionate artist Carol Roeda with a knack for color and beautiful gift design will be offering door-busters all day on Black Friday and Small Business Saturday, Nov. 25.
On Midnight Madness, they will feature a 10% store wide discount all day. Complimentary drinks and treats will also be served.
(Photo: Meredith Bruckner)
(Photo: Meredith Bruckner)
319 South Main St.
See the full list of Main Street Area Association retailers participating in Midnight Madness here.
At the end of the tour, Thomson said: "I want every MSAA business to be an ambassador for the neighborhood (and) to do this you need to know your neighbors and you need to know what they sell. I also wanted to encourage businesses to support each other by doing as much of their own personal shopping in the neighborhood. I think one of the obstacles to this not always happening is simply that people aren't aware of all of the different options we have downtown."
Happy shopping!