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HOLIDAY SHOPPING

Metro Detroit residents squeeze in last-minute holiday shopping before Christmas

So that became available and now I’m trying to do it,” said Damien Lindsey. With the stores likely to be closed for Christmas, a few people might be disappointed when looking into their stocking. Those who have seen this trend year after year said the last-minute shopping wave is lacking compared to year’s past. (Holiday shopping) is not as fluent as it was in the past,” said K&G salesman Sydney Spight. “It’s so hectic with the quarantine and everything and everybody is trying to get their last-minute stuff in,” Lindsey said.

Sterling Heights police remind holiday shoppers to keep gifts out of sight to prevent theft

STERLING HEIGHTS, Mich. – Every holiday season, police get a lot of calls from victims who have had packages stolen off front porches or from inside vehicles. Metro Detroit residents share their experiencesResearch shows that larcenies are about 22 percent higher in December because of holiday shopping. “If your purse does get stolen, your credit cards can be canceled. Experian said 43 percent of holiday shopping identity theft happens during online shopping. Keep an eye on your credit cards for fraudulent activity and don’t use a debit card online.

4 gifts ideas for things you can only get in Ann Arbor

ANN ARBOR, Mich. – It’s that time of year when families and friends are shopping for their loved ones (and their 2020 pod). This year, shoppers are looking for gifts that are comforting, come from the heart and support local businesses. Here are 4 Ann Arbor gift ideas:FOR THE COFFEE FIENDAnn Arbor has become synonymous with locally-owned and operated coffee shops, many of which use their own roasts. Take a look at festive tiles from Motawi Tileworks, ceramics and mixed media sculptures from the Gutman Gallery or paintings and prints from the Ann Arbor Art Center. Order specialty canned cocktails from The Last Word, Michigan-made whiskey from Ann Arbor Distilling Company, craft beer from HOMES or four-packs of mead from Bløm Meadworks.

Troy police warn of potential scams when reselling PlayStation 5

TROY, Mich. – Police are issuing a warning to anyone trying to sell one of the hottest holiday gifts on the resale market. Troy police said they’re investigating multiple cases of people being scammed while reselling the PlayStation 5 gaming system. Troy Police are noticing more scams involving the PlayStation 5. This is happening unfortunately not just in Troy but around the country,” said John Julian with Troy Police Department. Police advise that if you’re going to meet and sell items, go with a friend and have your cellphone ready in case something goes wrong.

Need some holiday gift ideas? Some suggestions to steer you in the right direction

Morang’s first gift ideas were from Things Remembered, which has all kinds of items you can personalize for a loved one. Morang featured a new Coach tote with tons of space, along with new tags with festive messages. Winters in Michigan make hot beverages a great gift, and Morang said you can find plenty at Taste of Tea. American Eagle has all you need for athleisure, including sweats and leggings for hanging around the house. To hear more about gift ideas, watch the video above.

Michigan shoppers: Are you more likely to shop at small businesses or big-box stores?

The day after Black Friday is commonly known as Small Business Saturday, when consumers are encouraged to patronize and support small, local businesses. The Michigan Economic Development Corp. said if Michiganders switched one in every ten purchases from big-box stores to local businesses, it would pump more than a billion dollars into the economy and create more than 10,000 jobs. With the coronavirus pandemic hitting locally-owned businesses extra hard, it’s safe to say that it’s important to support small businesses on more than one day this year to help them stay afloat. Michigan shoppers, we want to know: Are you more likely to shop at small, locally-owned businesses or big-box stores? Take the quick poll and give us your reasoning in the form below.

Holiday shopping for your pets? Consider supporting small, local businesses

LIVONIA, Mich. – This Small Business Saturday, consumers are encouraged to patronize small businesses to support their local communities. Even those shopping for holiday gifts for their pets can find those special items at small, local businesses, like Premier Pet Supply in Livonia. Shopping locally can have significant benefits on individual communities and their economies. Watch the full report in the video player above. Related: Michigan leaders encourage residents to support local shops

Metro Detroit small businesses struggling through pandemic as important holiday season arrives

DETROIT – As small businesses in Metro Detroit struggle through the coronavirus pandemic, owners want people in the area to think small this year while shopping for the holidays. After a lengthy shutdown and continuing as the pandemic stretches on, small businesses around the world are struggling to keep their doors open. Saturday is “Small Business Saturday,” and it’s on everyone to do their part to help. Kathy Hamlin Gay has owned Strictly Sportswear on Seven Mile Road in Detroit for 35 years. Like so many small businesses, the pandemic has taken a huge toll on profits, but by shopping at local businesses Saturday, residents can help make sure those shops continue to thrive.

Black Friday holiday shopping in Metro Detroit toned down amid pandemic

Traditional Black Friday holiday shopping looks a little different this year amid the coronavirus pandemic. Several large retailers have been rolling out Black Friday deals online over the last month instead of waiting for the day after Thanksgiving. Still, malls like the Somerset Collection in Troy and Twelve Oaks in Novi are getting a decent amount of shoppers this Friday -- but their main priority is on safety rather than deals, as COVID-19 has been spreading rapidly across Michigan in recent weeks. Watch Hank Winchester’s full report in the video player above.

Customers support Ferndale store through coronavirus pandemic

One Metro Detroit store decided to put safety first and the response from customers has been more than they ever imagined. Local businesses have had to make some tough decisions over the last few months, but one Ferndale store made the choice to close and customers are rewarding them for it. Emily and John Murray opened Modern Natural Baby on Nine Mile Road in 2009 after having a baby of their own. Their store was able to survive thanks to the loyal customers who shopped online and through social media. John Murray said they’ve been getting orders from customers that don’t have children or grandchildren because they want to support the store.

Sales and safety precautions: What to expect on Black Friday

DETROIT – Malls and local stores across Metro Detroit are preparing for what is typically one of the biggest shopping days of the year -- Black Friday. Local stores have had to reinvent themselves with many limiting the number of customers inside, offering hand sanitizing stations, requiring masks and putting safety first. As far as the deals go, many stores and malls will still be offering sales on Friday. Help Me Hank toy test: Testing 2020′s top toys ahead of the holidaysThe Help Me Hank Toy Test went virtual this year to keep everyone safe. We asked two families, both previous Help Me Hank toy testers, to try out some toys at home and give us their opinions.

Guide: Deadlines to ship your packages so they arrive before Christmas 2020

To make sure your gifts arrive before Christmas, follow the holiday shipping deadlines for the U.S. USPS holiday shipping deadlinesThe USPS recommends shipping your packages by the following dates if you want them to arrive before December 25. FedEx holiday shipping deadlinesFedEx recommends shipping your packages by the following dates if you want them to arrive before December 25. UPS holiday shipping deadlinesUPS recommends shipping your packages by the following dates if you want them to arrive before December 25. Amazon holiday shipping deadlines will vary depending on where you live, what you’re ordering and if you’re a Prime member.