When the holiday rush ends and the big shopping weekend wraps up, there’s one more day that deserves your attention: Small Business Monday. This is your chance to discover the character and charm that make the Grosse Pointes special, one locally owned shop at a time.
Your Neighborhood Shopping Districts Await
The five cities that make up Grosse Pointes each bring something different to the table. The Village in Grosse Pointe City pairs upscale boutiques with cozy cafes perfect for taking a break between stores. Head over to The Hill in Grosse Pointe Farms for timeless elegance and artisan shops. Meanwhile, The Park in Grosse Pointe Park shows off the area’s creative side with art galleries and farm-to-table restaurants. Don’t forget Mack Avenue, which runs through several communities and offers everything from fitness studios to specialty grocers.
Local Shops That Make Great Discoveries
Looking for something truly unique? Start at Coreander’s Children’s Bookshoppe in Grosse Pointe Park. This bookstore does more than sell stories. They host puppet shows and Saturday movie nights and serve coffee and ice cream in their outdoor garden space.
For fashion lovers, Glitter & Scotch brings together mother-daughter style with carefully curated women’s apparel and accessories. Savvy Chic Boutique offers fresh styles that help you express your personal fashion sense. Meanwhile, The League Shop has been a Grosse Pointe staple for gift shopping, carrying designer brands and monogram options.
Want something different? Post is way more than a stationery store. This industrial chic space houses a cafe, handmade goods, jewelry, cards, and even art classes. The Spice & Tea Exchange brings handcrafted seasonings, loose-leaf teas, and unique gifts perfect for the food enthusiast in your life.
Join the Community Celebrations
Small Business Monday doesn’t happen in isolation. Throughout the year, Main Street Grosse Pointe organizes events that bring people together. Third Thursday Shop Crawls offer ticketed experiences to explore multiple businesses in one evening. The Sidewalk Sale in July offers deals on summer finds. Come November, Small Business Saturday kicks off the holiday shopping season, and Monday continues the celebration.
Keep an eye out for Music on the Plaza events and the Buy Nearby Weekend in October, which encourages everyone to think local first.
Why Your Dollars Matter Here
Shopping small isn’t just feel-good advice. Research shows that 48% of every dollar spent at local independent businesses stays in the community. Compare that to less than 14% at chain stores. That means nearly four times more money circulates locally when you choose independent retailers.
This money doesn’t disappear. It pays wages to your neighbors, funds local schools through property taxes, and supports the services that make Grosse Pointes great. Local business owners hire locally, buy from local suppliers, and bank with local institutions. It all adds up to more jobs and stronger economic health right where you live.
Your Perfect Gift Guide
For Book Lovers: First edition finds at Coreander’s or gift cards for future story time sessions
For Fashion Forward Friends: Personal styling sessions at Glitter & Scotch or Savvy Chic Boutique
For Home Chefs: Custom spice blends from Spice & Tea Exchange
For Art Enthusiasts: Local artwork and creative supplies from shops along Kercheval Avenue
For Anyone Special: Monogrammed gifts from The League Shop that show you took extra time
For Coffee Addicts: Gift cards to local cafes like the one inside Post
Make It a Monday Tradition
Small Business Monday gives you permission to slow down after the weekend rush. Take time to actually talk with shop owners who know their products inside out. Discover items you won’t find anywhere else. Support the people who sponsor your kids’ sports teams and donate to local causes.
The Grosse Pointes have everything you need for thoughtful gift giving or treating yourself. With free parking throughout the business districts and walkable streets, you can easily hop from shop to shop. Many businesses stay open later during the holiday season, giving you flexibility to browse after work.
This Monday, skip the big box stores and online giants. Your community’s small businesses are waiting with unique finds, personal service, and genuine appreciation for your support. After all, when you shop small in Grosse Pointes, you’re not just buying products. You’re investing in the neighborhood character that makes this place home.
Sources: yelp.com, thevillagegrossepointe.org, grossepointechamber.com
Header Image Source: Daniel on Unsplash
