Shop local for the holidays.

Can you feel it? There’s a hint of magic in the air. The familiar smells of pine, vanilla, cinnamon, and sugar are ready to embrace you. Snow is falling, but maybe you don’t mind since you planned to enjoy a cozy evening at home anyway. The holidays are finally here. And that means it’s time to shop. Show your friends, family members, and coworkers a little love and support your community at the same time by shopping local this year.

Why Shop Local?

This holiday season, it’s more important than ever to shop local. Rising supply costs, inflation, and other economic factors have had a big financial impact on businesses in your community. Shopping at small businesses contributes to the economic wellbeing of your community, provides jobs for your friends and neighbors, and helps keep your city unique.

So, just how big of an impact does your dollar have when you buy local? According to the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), 48 percent of every one hundred dollars you spend at a local business stays in the community.¹ At chain or national retailers, only fourteen dollars out of every one hundred dollars spent supports your community.

Start planning your holiday budget and let’s get ready to shop on Main Street!

Gifts Galore

From ordering takeout to buying gift cards, there are plenty of ways that you can help keep your city vibrant. Check out a list of some of our favorite Michigan resources and storefronts to shop local for the holidays. 

Lakeshore Gift Guide²: Check out a list of West Michigan businesses that you can support by shopping in-store or online.

Pure Michigan Shop Local Guide²: Browse lists of local gift shops, apparel companies, and antique stores by region and category.

Destination Ann Arbor²: Find a list of Washtenaw County businesses that offer unique gifts for every age.

Middle Village Micro Market²: This small business incubator space opened in Downtown Lansing in October 2021 and features several retail businesses that sell local, Lansing-made gifts.

Bleu Bowtique: This Downtown Detroit business prides itself on being “Motown’s man cave of fashion”. Owner Ne’Gyle B. makes custom bow ties for every occasion and stocks an assortment of quality clothing at his store.

A Taste of Michigan

Gift shops, farmers markets, and online stores are great places to pick up Michigan-made sweets and treats for everyone on your list.

Michigan Good Food Fund²: Support independent business owners and order local food favorites right from home.

Allen Neighborhood Center²: Stop by this Lansing-area farmers market that operates year-round to pick up fresh fruits and veggies for your holiday feast.

Taste the Local Difference²: Find a tasty treat for all of your favorite people with this guide to Michigan food retailers.

Eastern Market²: Visit this large weekend farmers market in Downtown Detroit to find colorful, fruits, veggies, flowers, and plants for your home.

Pure Michigan Inspired Gift Guide²: See ideas for Michigan-inspired gifts that are also made right here in the Mitten State.

Don’t forget to stop by your local bakery or candy shop to pick up some holiday desserts. Or make mornings a little brighter for the coffee lovers in your life by visiting an area coffee shop, like Brighton Coffeehouse and Theater or Tapped Coffee + Eats, for a bag of freshly roasted coffee beans.

And if you don’t feel like cooking, takeout from an area restaurant is never a bad idea.

Still Need Ideas?

For other local shopping resources, make sure to check out your local Chamber of Commerce website. Many area news outlets are also publishing lists of businesses to visit this season. And make sure to follow your favorite local stores and restaurants on social media to learn more about their hours and offerings.

Let’s end 2024 by making sure our favorite businesses have our support and can start 2025 on a positive note. Have fun shopping and stay safe. Happy holidays!