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Shop Smart. Shop Local.

Dearborn Chamber of Commerce President Jennifer Giering talks about why you should spend your dollars here in the city.

  • November 25, 2011
 

Many of us have heard the phrases “Shop Local” or “Buy Local,” and I hope as you approach the holiday season, you have already started to think about how you can support these campaigns.

Consider shopping at local shops and restaurants for the perfect gift. We have bicycle shops and ski stores, bakeries and gift shops, and wonderful specialty stores including Sophia’s Giftique, Village Picture Framing, Steven Bernard Jewelers, Dee’s Hallmark and Merchants Fine Wine. What about a spa gift certificate to Milan’s on Monroe or Om Spa? Give a treat to teachers or neighbors from Shatila Bakery, Iversen’s Bakery Express or New Yasmeen Bakery.

Looking for a unique item? Try shopping at the Holiday Show at The Glass Academy on Dec. 3 and 4, or pick up gifts at the shops at The Henry Ford or American Arab National Museum. The gift that keeps on giving would include a membership to any of the aforementioned attractions, or season tickets to The Players Guild of Dearborn, the Dearborn Symphony Orchestra, or to a show at the Ford Community and Performing Arts Center.

Or perhaps you can give the most sought after gift this holiday season–the gift of time! Grab groceries at Alcamo’s Market and some flowers at English Gardens and spend some much deserved quality time with loved ones, or meet up at your favorite restaurant for a holiday lunch or dinner and let someone else do the cooking.

The options in our own backyard are endless!

This Saturday (and beyond), support small business in your community with Small Business Saturday. Promoted by American Express, the Saturday after Thanksgiving is a day dedicated to supporting small businesses
on one of the busiest shopping weekends of the year. On Nov. 26, everyone is urged to “Shop Small” at their favorite local stores and help fuel the economy.

According to www.the350project.net, for every $100 spent in locally owned independent stores, $68 returns to the community through taxes, payroll and other expenditures. Imagine the impact if one person spent $50 in just three locally owned store this holiday.

Second to buying local here in Dearborn, try to keep your shopping dollars here in Michigan, supporting products and food made right here in our state. It is more difficult than ever to maintain a business in this economic climate and it is up to us to support our friends and neighbors here in Dearborn.

If you need recommendations or ideas, please call the chamber offices Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. at 313-584-6100. Santa’s helpers are standing by! Happy Thanksgiving and Happy Shopping!

Jennifer Giering
President, Dearborn Chamber of Commerce
www.dearbornchamber.org

Related Topics: Dearborn Chamber of Commerce, Shop Local, and Small Business
Where do you shop locally? Tell us in the comments.

Dan Merritt

12:32 pm on Friday, November 25, 2011

Green Brain Comics is having a Shop Small Saturday Sale.
Details here:
http://www.facebook.com/events/150793775020885/

Reply

Debbie Malyn

3:49 pm on Friday, November 25, 2011

Consider purchasing a 2012 Midtown Detroit wall calendar from start up Dearborn business, Encore Designs. Original photography capturing the spirit and resurgence of Midtown Detroit. https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.225937554142654.56966.225932640809812&type=1&l=4bd9ca5e38

Buy direct for $15. Message me or email dm.encoredesigns@gmail.com if you're interested.

Vivid photography features fresh views of the Detroit Institute of Arts, Temple Bar, Detroit Public Library, The Hub, The Whitney, Cass Cafe, Masonic Theater Complex, Avalon International Bakery, Old Main at Wayne State University, Bronx Bar, the Scarab club and The Inn on Ferry Street. Opaque views of close up textures from the buildings or their surroundings provide just enough background to keep the date page interesting all month. A collage giving even more insight into the unique mix of shops, entertainment and urban living that exists in Midtown wraps up the year.

Perfect for anyone who has spent time in Detroit and appreciates the uniqueness of Midtown and all the University Cultural Center area has to offer. 11 x 17 open, professionally printed on matte photo stock. Thank you to Midtown Detroit, Inc. for their generous support in bringing this project to reality.

Reply

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