The unique shopping concept that is back “By Popular Demand”
There’s a unique shopping experience where you can find a wide variety of Detroit brands under one roof. By Popular Demand: The Collective was opened by Devin and Daisha McKenzie. The married couple and co-owners of the shop joined host Tati Amare and guest host Blaine Fowler to talk about how their storefront is giving exposure to local businesses.
Choosing jewelry to last a lifetime
Are you or someone you know thinking about popping the question? Picking out the perfect ring can sometimes be a challenge. Barb Binkley from Cooper & Binkley Jewelers in Brighton joined Michelle Oliver on “Live in the D” to share tips on picking out an engagement ring.
Stylish designs celebrate Detroit
When it comes to Detroit, many people find inspiration throughout the city. For Shayla Johnson that inspiration and something she’s passionate about, transformed into a unique business. “I love fabrics, I love patterns, and I enjoy illustrations that are really painterly and concentrating on themes like Detroit architecture and the florals that are here, " Shayla Johnson, Owner of Scarlet Crane Creations told “Live in the D’s,” April Morton. Johnson started her business a decade ago, and offers a variety of handmade items. “A lot of my illustrations are a part of the collections that I create, which include tea towels, throw pillows, and bags and other soft goods,” Johnson said. She says her most popular items are the one’s with Detroit themes. She finds her inspiration in the exterior of Detroit architecture, but also in areas that are in plain site, yet oftentimes go unnoticed, like a ceiling panel in the Guardian building or a small detail in the Penobscot building.
This local brand is shaping the future of streetwear
After having a lot of success on their own, one brand has teamed up with Foot Locker Detroit to sell their clothes in some of their stores as part of Foot Locker’s Homegrown program. This is a new way to bring communities together while also showcasing local designers who are shaping the future of streetwear.
Creating art on the “Ave.”
There’s a place on the Avenue of Fashion in Detroit bringing something very unique to the area. Art in Motion Ceramic Studio and Gallery is a cool place to shop and learn. Kay Willingham, Owner/Operator of Art in Motion Ceramic Studio and Gallery told “Live in the D’s,” April Morton, “We offer parties, classes, for all ages; I have a wonderful space here a lot bigger than where I was further down the way. We also have a cute little playroom, which is just a bonus room where kids can have a party or eat, or entertain your guests.” The business has been around nearly 9 years and is located on Livernois Avenue between 7 Mile and 8 Mile Roads. This is the 2nd location on the “Ave.”. Willingham says she outgrew her last space due to the popularity of ceramic making, something she says is unique to the area where she grew up. “It was the place to be, the place to shop and, of course, the place to live during that time, and even now, it’s still a very thriving community,” Willingham said. It’s a community, she says, she’s fortunate to share her talents with. “My present students now are more into hand building and sculpting, but you can learn how to throw on the wheel, paint your own pottery, you can do slip casting, so it’s pretty open to whatever your experience level is,” she said.
Here is a great way to shop local
Looking to support local businesses in Detroit? Locally owned businesses are coming together for the Black Wall Street event that will showcase several Black-owned businesses, all presented by Hot Sam’s. Today on “Live In The D”, Business Lead and Legacy Preserver at Hot Sam’s, Lauren Stovall, joined host Jason Carr to talk about the upcoming event.
Need help picking out gifts for the summer season?
The summer season means weddings, birthdays, Father’s Day and other celebrations where you may need to give a gift. Of course, it can be a challenge picking out the perfect present for someone, but there’s a shop in Wixom called Green Goat Gifts that’s rolling out some unique gift ideas and home décor.
This upscale resale boutique in Ferndale is good for your wallet and the planet
Earth Day is coming up this Friday, and one of the best ways to take care of our planet is to reduce, reuse, and recycle. So why not apply that idea to your wardrobe! We introduce you to Margaux and Max, an upscale resale boutique in downtown Ferndale that is shaking up the shopping experience.
How to keep kids interested in books after Reading Month is over
As March comes to a close, so does National Reading Month, a time where we encourage young people to read more, keep them engaged and make reading fun. But how do you keep this going all year long? Tati Amare spoke with Jennifer Kendall from Coreander’s Children’s Bookshoppe in Grosse Pointe to give us her expert advice on how to keep the kiddos interested in reading.
Your holiday gift guide to Michigan-made products
The holiday shopping season is here and billions will be spent this year on gifts. If you’re someone who likes to find that unique item to wrap up in a bow, and someone who likes to shop local, we have something that can help. “Buy Michigan Now” has released its 15th annual holiday gift guide.
Ann Arbor named among top charming small US cities by TravelMag
ANN ARBOR – Here’s a ranking that doesn’t surprise us. TravelMag recently released its 30 Most Charming Small Cities in the USA list and Ann Arbor appears along other famed small cities -- and college towns -- like Annapolis, Maryland, Charleston, South Carolina and Bloomington, Indiana. “Home to the University of Michigan, it has long been a seat of higher education, forward-thinking, technology and progressive ideas,” wrote TravelMag. “You can see echoes of these elements everywhere, including at the numerous annual events held in the city, including expos, airshows, and the annual film festival that has been running for decades. “In the city’s lively dining scene, this same balance of tradition and modernity is reflected by Ann Arbor mainstays such as Zingerman’s Deli, right through to the trendy international cuisine from across five continents.”AdWith the award-winning Ann Arbor District Library, 161 beautiful public parks and educational and cultural events abound, it certainly is a wonderful place to live.
University of Michigan marks 25 years of prison art shows with digital gallery
ANN ARBOR – The University of Michigan’s Exhibition of Art by Michigan Prisoners is celebrating 25 years with a virtual gallery due to the ongoing health crisis. The annual Prison Creative Arts Project at U-M is now one of the largest exhibitions by imprisoned artists in the world. (University of Michigan - Prison Created Arts Project)Krinitsky said the organization has wanted to expand to a larger audience for some time. (University of Michigan - Prison Created Arts Project)“It was an extraordinary year, although it was some time ago that we visited,” Hamilton said in a release. “Many PCAP artists rely on sales revenue to purchase art supplies as well as things they need for daily living.
Gutman Gallery in downtown Ann Arbor to kick off newest exhibition Friday
ANN ARBOR – The Guild of Artists & Artisans will be launching its newest all media exhibition, “ANYTHING GOES,” in the Gutman Gallery on Friday. Throughout the open house-style reception, Guild staff will appear on the live feed to discuss the exhibition and to give virtual viewers a tour of the gallery. "Chryslais" by Robin Speth. For more information about the exhibition, upcoming events, scheduling curbside pickup or to shop virtually with gallery staff, visit www.shopgutmangallery.com. AdThe Gutman Gallery is at 118 N. Fourth Ave.
Sustainable shop BYOC Co. to open soon in downtown Ann Arbor
ANN ARBOR – BYOC Co. will be opening its doors soon at Liberty Square at 255 E. Liberty Street downtown. Hess offers a variety of personal care and household cleaning products that she will fill customers’ containers with. “I want people to feel confident in the things they’re buying.”Emma Hess sells her all-natural products at one of her pop-ups. All of her sustainable products are natural and are hand-selected based on the needs and preferences of her customers. BYOC Co. is here to help with whatever small steps that people can take to make their lifestyles more sustainable.
Here are the Ann Arbor area farms offering subscriptions at upcoming virtual CSA fair
ANN ARBOR – The Michigan Statewide CSA Network will be hosting an upcoming virtual CSA fair featuring Michigan farms on Feb. 26. A Community Supported Agriculture share is a subscription program to a local farm in which you pay a farmer upfront for a regular delivery or pickup of their harvest. The CSA fair will consist of two drop-in Zoom sessions: one at “lunch hour” from noon to 1 p.m. and a “happy hour” session from 5-6 p.m. Regional breakout rooms will be available so you can learn more about which farms offer shares in your area. Here are the Ann Arbor area farms offering CSAs this year:Interested in participating in the fair?
Ann Arbor’s 24th Cheesecakerie helps craft pastry stout for ‘Support Black Businesses Beer Series’
Co-owner of 24th CC, Sean Brezzell, recently collaborated with Five Shores Brewing and beer blogger Siren of Stout to craft a pastry stout as part of its “Support Black Businesses Beer Series.” The February beer is the first in the series, which coincides with Black History Month. Read: Family-run 24th CC fills cheesecake void in Ann Arbor food sceneSiren of Stout’s Barb Baker and Five Shores brewmaster Oliver Roberts developed the beer recipe that features 24th CC’s sweet potato pies. Ad24th Cheesecakerie's sweet potato pies go into the mash to create a pastry stout with Five Shores Brewing and Siren of Stout. (Barb Baker)“The 24th Cheesecakerie is a third generation business and they make stellar cakes and pies,” Baker wrote A4 via email. The limited edition beer will be released on Feb. 26 and can be purchased on the Five Shores Brewing website with pick up options in Royal Oak and at Cultivate in Ypsilanti.
Revamp your spring wardrobe with these Metro Detroit resale shops
Local 4 knows there was plenty of time in 2020 for spur-of-the-moment purging and cleaning. With the hope of warmer weather on the way, these Metro Detroit resale shops are perfect for your 2021 spring tidying endeavors. Plus, don’t forget to take a look at the top children’s resale picks! Our Sponsor — We’d like to thank Wallside Windows for their longtime sponsorship of Vote 4 the Best and their support of southeast Michigan’s local businesses. Wallside is a Taylor, MI-based family business that manufactures and installs custom replacement windows, now in their third generation.
Lauren Kosowski honored with Main Street Ann Arbor’s Dennis Serras Award
ANN ARBOR – For the third year running, the Main Street Area Association is honoring an individual who is central to its mission and the vitality of the downtown area. This year’s recipient of the organization’s Dennis Serras Award is Lauren Kosowski, an IT professional who has become a passionate advocate for and supporter of the Main Street area. “This year we nominated Lauren Kosowski for the award, someone whose job has nothing to do with downtown,” MSAA executive director Sandra Andrade said in a statement. AdLauren Kosowski is the recipient of the 2020 Dennis Serras Award. It’s people like you, with that love, that will help our businesses survive.”MSAA’s first two awardees were Lucy Ann Lance and A4′s Meredith Bruckner.
Win points, prizes in Ann Arbor’s Comfort Food Challenge this month
ANN ARBOR – Throughout the month of January, visits to local restaurants for outdoor dining or curbside pick up can earn you a chance to win prizes. How it works:Download the getDowntown Commute Central app from the App Store or Google Play, or sign up via getDowntown’s website. Win badges and prizes based on participationUsers who earn 40 points a week will automatically be entered to win a $50 gift card. The challenge is sponsored by ShowYourLoveA2, an initiative by the downtown area associations to bolster support for local restaurants and shops. Shopping at local businesses can also earn you points and prizes.
Refresh your space with vintage finds
You can do it by supporting a local business and visiting one of the best landmarks in Detroit, Eastern Market. Vintage Detroit in Eastern Market has unique, fun items from 26 local vendors and artists that will help curate your space. He is a former veteran with a passion for vintage items and home design. He joined Tati Amare live from his store and showed off quick suggestions and how to refresh your space with vintage items. Check out the video below for décor ideas that will elevate your mood and create fun nostalgia in your home.
Downtown area associations join annual challenge to encourage people to visit Ann Arbor in January
ANN ARBOR – Downtown area associations have joined an annual campaign to encourage visitors to continue shopping and dining in the city throughout the month of January. Typically a slow time of year for business, the pandemic has only exacerbated the lack of customers at local establishments. The Main Street Area Association, State Street District, Kerrytown District Association, and South University Area Association have partnered with the getDowntown Program for “Conquer the Cold - Pandemic Edition.”The annual challenge by getDowntown -- in partnership with the Ann Arbor Area Transportation Authority (TheRide), the Ann Arbor Downtown Development Authority and the City of Ann Arbor -- is designed to encourage and educate commuters to use alternative modes of transportation during the cold winter months. Many restaurants will be participating in the Comfort Food Challenge, and users can get prizes for dining outdoors, ordering curbside and shopping downtown. “The Downtown Districts are excited to be partnering with GetDowntown for Conquer the Cold this year,” Sandra Andrade, executive director of the Main Street Area Association said in a statement.
5 best places for chili in Metro Detroit
Local 4 wants to help you shop and support local businesses when they need it most! Not only can you support favorite local businesses, you can get your fill of comfort food carryout for these cold, snowy months at home. Backed up by the support of local voters in Vote 4 the Best, here’s where to get that warm, comforting bowl you crave during winter:Winners in ‘Chili’ categoryIf you’re looking for soup, our 2019 voters said that Polish Village Cafe and Apple Annie’s both serve a mean bowl! Our Sponsor -- We’d like to thank Wallside Windows for their longtime sponsorship of Vote 4 the Best and their support of southeast Michigan’s local businesses. Wallside is a Taylor, MI-based family business that manufactures and installs custom replacement windows, now in their third generation.
Stay home, stay warm, and have the best pizza in Metro Detroit
Local 4 wants to help you shop and support local businesses when they need it most! A cold winter’s day calls for warm food, lots of blankets, and a movie night in with family. Plus, when you don’t want to bundle up and brave those freezing winds, there’s nothing better than a pizza delivery. Pizza chain winners:Independent pizza places:Find more delicious food options in our other Vote 4 The Best stories. Our Sponsor -- We’d like to thank Wallside Windows for their longtime sponsorship of Vote 4 the Best and their support of southeast Michigan’s local businesses.
Best Metro Detroit comfort food restaurants for cold weather
During this cold and blustery weather, what could be better than warm, delicious, comfort food? For the best of the best, check out our Vote 4 the Best winners that serve piping-hot grub that takes the chill from our bones. The Maple Leaf Restaurant, Troy – Winner ‘Family Restaurant’Red Hots Coney Island, Highland Park – Winner ‘Chili’Secret Recipes Family Dining, Taylor – Winner ‘American’Bistro Orleans on 15, Sterling Heights – Winner ‘Soul Food’Ale Mary’s, Royal Oak – Winner ‘Vegetarian’Chili Mustard Onions, Detroit – Winner ‘Vegan’Johnny Noodle King, Detroit – Winner ‘Ramen’Take a look at the other winners in these categories for some more yummy options. Our Sponsor -- We’d like to thank Wallside Windows for their longtime sponsorship of Vote 4 the Best and their support of southeast Michigan’s local businesses. Wallside is a Taylor, MI-based family business that manufactures and installs custom replacement windows, now in their third generation.
Where to shop for last minute gifts this holiday season and supporting our ‘Vote 4 the Best’ winners
Want to continue shopping local and supporting small businesses? Local 4 and ClickOnDetroit wants to help you shop and support local businesses. Check out these yoga studios:White Lotus Yoga StudioEntouch LLC Yoga, Massage, WellnessPlymouth Yoga RoomPushna WellnessFind more of locals’ favorites in our Vote 4 The Best winner guide! Our Sponsor -- We’d like to thank Wallside Windows for their longtime sponsorship of Vote 4 the Best and their support of southeast Michigan’s local businesses. Wallside is a Taylor, MI-based family business that manufactures and installs custom replacement windows, now in their third generation.
Slows To Go offers bulk neighborhood meal deliveries
Slows To Go is offering to deliver their bulk family meal packs to local neighborhoods in metro Detroit and Grand Rapids. The eatery’s Family Meal Pack feeds 4 to 6 people but there’s one catch - neighbors need to collaborate on the delivery. The person or group that “hosts” will receive one family pack free of charge or a commensurate dollar amount loaded on a Slows gift card. If you represent a homeowner’s association that might be interested, contact Slows at manager@slowstogo.com or events@slowsgr.com. The same offer stands for a business that would allow Slows to use their parking lot in off hours.
Shop Local with ‘Vote 4 the Best’ shops
Remember to support a local business while you do your holiday shopping and prepare for this peculiar winter indoors with loved ones! To help you do so, here are the “Best” local businesses chosen by voters in Vote 4 the Best. To get the perfect wintertime read, check out the winners under Bookstores:To see more winners in tons of categories of local businesses, check out the Vote 4 The Best guide here. Our Sponsor -- We’d like to thank Wallside Windows for their longtime sponsorship of Vote 4 the Best and their support of southeast Michigan’s local businesses. Wallside is a Taylor, MI-based family business that manufactures and installs custom replacement windows, now in their third generation.
Ann Arbor’s Bløm Meadworks partners with local businesses to offer subscription bundles
ANN ARBOR – Bløm Meadworks owners Lauren Bloom and Matt Ritchey have pivoted several times to address the shifting landscape during the pandemic. (Bløm Meadworks)Each kit will be available for pick up on the fourth Saturday of the month. Bundles are available in 3 month, 6 month or ongoing subscriptions. “We all have less foot traffic and a smaller audience than we are used to,” said Bloom. On a personal note, they allow her and Ritchey to continue working with community partners.
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.
‘We need help.’ Ann Arbor business owners sound alarm as winter approaches
ANN ARBOR – With no sign of the coronavirus pandemic slowing down in Michigan, business owners across the state are staring down a long and uncertain winter. According to Destination Ann Arbor, football weekends back in 2013 brought in more than $80 million from visitors alone for local hotels, restaurants and retail. A report in May by EntryPoint found that 97% of Ann Arbor businesses were impacted by the pandemic with 48% of those located in the downtown area. The downtown Ann Arbor store has taken numerous precautions to keep employees and customers safe. “If you pull Zingerman’s out of Ann Arbor, I’m not saying the town will fold up, but it will be a pretty impactful move.
Get in the ‘shop local’ spirit with these 29 ideas from Metro Detroit businesses
We’re collecting a list of unique gift ideas for sale from your favorite local shops and businesses. Below is our second batch of ideas shared by readers like you. Check out the list and then add your own ideas using the form below, and sign up for our “Shop Local” email catalog from Vote 4 the Best. RELATED: Shop local gifts for foodies, music lovers, style lovers and moreRELATED: More Shop Local gifts recommended by ClickOnDetroit readersFOR STYLE LOVERS 👜• A 100% cashmere scarf in plaids and paisleys from ArtLoft in Detroit. Share your shop local gift ideas
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.
Michigan leaders encourage residents to support local shops
LANSING, Mich. – State leaders are asking Michigan residents to beat lines and avoid crowds by shopping at local small businesses on Black Friday. One in five jobs in Michigan are in the retail industry, according to the Michigan Retailers Association. Gretchen Whitmer has been encouraging residents to support local and small businesses that have been hit hardest by the effects of the coronavirus pandemic. “Now more than ever, small businesses in Pure Michigan need your support. It's about making small choices to support the local businesses that support your community, Lorenz said about the “Support Local" campaign.
15 more shop local gift ideas to support Metro Detroit businesses
We’re collecting a list of unique gift ideas for sale from your favorite local shops and businesses. Below is our second batch of ideas shared by readers like you. RELATED: Shop local gifts for foodies, music lovers, style lovers and moreFOR STRESS RELEASE 💆• Help someone get their 2020 rage out at the Destruction Depot in Whitmore Lake. • A Doles Orchard Boxed Photo Album from Cicare gift shop in St. Clair Shores. Share your shop local gift ideas