As the holiday season approaches, and the frenzy of Black Friday looms on the horizon, it’s easy to get swept up in the rush of big-box stores and the convenience of online retail giants. However, this Small Business Saturday, we encourage you to slow down, take a leisurely stroll through the charming streets of Ann Arbor, and explore the wealth of unique local shops that contribute to the heart and soul of our community.

Small Business Saturday is more than just a catchy name; it’s a celebration of the local businesses that make our town thrive. We’re introducing you to a curated selection of Ann Arbor’s hidden gems and longstanding favorites, highlighting why supporting small, local businesses is not just important but essential for preserving the unique character and vitality of our city. Whether you’re looking for that perfect gift for someone else or want to discover something new for your home or wardrobe, consider supporting these local Ann Arbor businesses this Small Business Saturday and throughout the holiday season!

 

BYOC Co.

Photo Courtesy of BYOC Co.

For your eco-conscious friend or family member, there’s no better gift than something from BYOC Co., a refill station and zero waste shop in downtown Ann Arbor. BYOC stands for Bring Your Own Container, which you can fill with their ethically produced household cleaning and personal care products. They have a wide selection of things that would make the perfect practical gift, including bar soap, face and body care products, candles, kitchen supplies, and more. The best part? Everything at BYOC Co. is eco-friendly in an effort to reduce single-use plastic consumption!

 

Footprints

Since opening in 1977, Footprints has left its imprint in several different locations throughout Ann Arbor before settling into its current home on Main Street. It is now one of only a handful of full-service shoe stores in downtown Ann Arbor. It’s the destination for footwear of all kinds, from Birkenstocks to Keen hiking shoes, and from Dansko boots to Eric Michael sandals. They carry some of the best brands, curating a selection you can try on in person in their centrally located shop!

 

Gutman Gallery

The Gutman Gallery is home to some of the most beautiful handmade pieces made by local artists, from jewelry to pottery and prints to paintings. This fine art gallery also contains rotating exhibitions and houses a gallery shop, and provides a creative space for the community to gather for workshops and creative events. The Gutman Gallery is hosting the 2023 Holiday Artist Market from November 25 (that’s Small Business Saturday!) through December 22. Peruse works in various media and styles from more than 50 jury-selected artists making jewelry, ceramics, paintings, prints, fiber art, wood carvings, and more. The market is taking place Tuesdays–Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

 

Ferne Boutique

Photo Courtesy of Ferne Boutique

Ferne Boutique, owned and founded by Laura, is a women-owned and -operated fashion haven dedicated to providing size-inclusive styles that effortlessly blend trendiness with functionality. Their commitment to quality is unwavering, believing that every body deserves to look and feel beautiful. Ferne carries a wide selection of clothing and accessories in their beautiful store, which you can peruse online. They have both casual and professional options for tops, pants, jumpsuits, dresses, skirts, blazers, cardigans, jackets and more. And if you need help pulling an outfit together for your next event, the Ferne team is more than happy to style you from head to toe!

 

The M Den

It just wouldn’t be the holidays in Ann Arbor without giving the gift of blue pride! The M Den is the official retailer of Michigan Athletics, which means you can find branded clothing for women, men and kids, Michigan Nike products, hats, furniture and home decor, autographed memorabilia, toys, jewelry, pet accessories and more. You can shop online or stop by one of four Ann Arbor locations to shop in person.

 

Himalayan Bazaar

Himalayan Bazaar, nestled on Main Street, is a family-owned venture committed to bringing the spirit of Nepal’s Himalayan region to its customers through authentic, fair trade products. They partner with local, small-scale craftsmen who handcraft a diverse range of items, including furniture, jewelry, and clothing, preserving traditional art forms and supporting local communities. The store’s remarkable history intertwines with the adventurous journey of Pem Dorjee Sherpa and Heather O’Neal, who met during a trek to Everest base camp in 1998. Over the years, they’ve not only led treks but also operate a store featuring fair trade products from Nepal, including jewelry, statues, singing bowls, hats and gloves, prayer flags, wall hangings and more.

 

Cherry Republic

Photo Courtesy of Cherry Republic

Did you know that Michigan’s Lower Peninsula is the largest producer of tart cherries in the United States, making 75% of the country’s variety of Montmorency cherries? It’s true! Cherry Republic is your source for all things cherry. They sell a wide selection of more than 200 cherry products, including salsas, chocolate-covered cherries, cherry nut mixes, jams, and more. Their gift boxes make it really easy to give a little of everything! Peruse their top 20 gift boxes to find the perfect match.

 

16 Hands

Nestled in Kerrytown Shops, 16 Hands specializes in original artisan-made objects for the home, office and garden. Plus, you’ll find beautiful jewelry, fashion accessories and a variety of gifts, all created and curated with care. 16 Hands represents both emerging and established artists and makers, primarily from the U.S., including several local creators based in Ann Arbor. Inventory is always changing, so be sure to stop by or check out their online shop to see what’s in store!

 

Four Directions

For nearly three decades, Four Directions has been a mainstay on Main Street, offering a curated selection of rocks, minerals, fossils and jewelry from all over the world. A visit here is fascinating, as you explore a stunning kaleidoscope of colors and textures found in their products sourced from nature. Four Directions changed ownership in April 2021, and is now Four Directions by Geoscape Rock Shop — but it is still a family-owned operation, run by Eric and Ann Larcinese with help from their daughter, Hanna.

 

FOUND

Photo Courtesy of FOUND

Occupying an anchor spot on the ground floor of Kerrytown Market & Shops, FOUND is a creatively curated shop featuring work by local artists and makers, along with a collection of jewelry, gifts and home decor. You’ll find a mixture of “found” vintage items along with eclectic brand new pieces, hand-selected by owner Mary Cambruzzi. Both online and in person, you can shop from a wide variety of gifts, including mugs, pots and planters, pillows and throws, jewelry, candles, bath and body products, and much more!

 

Bivouac

Nestled in the Nichols Arcade, Bivouac is an outdoor clothing boutique offering everything from camping gear to cozy loungewear. They sell a wide selection of clothing and accessories to outfit your life for the great outdoors — or indoors! What does Bivouac mean, you ask? It is a temporary campsite and can be used as either a noun or verb. The store was founded in 1970 by Ed Davidson and has evolved from an army surplus store to what it is today. Their experienced and knowledgeable staff is happy to help match each customer with the right product for their needs. Check out their gifts page, which includes gifts for him, for her or for kids, plus gifts under $25, $50 and $100.

 

V2V

V2V is a beautiful women’s fashion and lifestyle boutique situated in the heart of Kerrytown. They carry a variety of products, including both clothing and all types of accessories that “nurture elegant simplicity.” They are constantly receiving new shipments, rotating the selection with up-to-date and in-season trends. Shop through their catalog online, which includes women’s clothing, bags, jewelry, candles, home decor, books, and much more.

 

Rock Paper Scissors

Photo Courtesy of Rock Paper Scissors

Rock Paper Scissors invites you to “celebrate everything” ⁠— and they make it quite easy with their inventory of celebratory items, from paper goods to a variety of gifts. This bright, inviting store in Kerrytown is packed with fun and quirky gifts to give, including puzzles, stationery, mugs, glasses, books, specialty foods, kids’ toys, candles, balms, cocktail mixers, keychains, decor and more!

 

Vault of Midnight

Vault of Midnight is the headquarters of all things comics — and they have three locations in the area, including one here in Ann Arbor as well as Grand Rapids and Detroit. Their mission is “to act as ambassadors for all things geeky and to present our wares as the awesome, fun, and universally accessible pieces of entertainment that they are.” Visit their website or shop in person to peruse their collection of comic books, games, dice, and more.

 

Ann Arbor Running Co.

Shopping for an athlete can feel precarious, as you don’t want to get the wrong thing. There’s no such thing as “the wrong thing” at Ann Arbor Running Co. when shopping for the avid runner (or beginner runner) in your life. They have everything to equip them for a successful run, including men’s and women’s apparel, shoes, electronics, belts, gloves, headwear, water bottles, and much more.

 

Catching Fireflies

Photo Courtesy of Catching Fireflies

Catching Fireflies is a colorful and whimsical gift gallery inviting shoppers to find delight in the simple pleasures, slow down to appreciate the beauty around them, and create joy in their life. Here, you’ll find a wide variety of goodies that will brighten your day. There’s a gift for everyone, from babies to grandmas, and for every occasion, from a birthday to graduation. Catching Fireflies now has three locations throughout Michigan, including their third and largest shop in Kerrytown, which is where their story began many years ago.

 

Thistle & Bess

Also situated in the artsy Kerrytown area, Thistle & Bess brings a refreshing vintage flare to Ann Arbor. Here, you’ll find a mix of antique treasures alongside well-curated goods, including fine jewelry, fashion accessories, barware, bath and beauty products, home accessories, paper goods, and children’s clothing and toys. Thistle & Bess is an active member of the arts community, providing a space for local artists and makers to sell their products. But you’ll also encounter small brands from all over the world, from Brooklyn to London!

 

Caravan Gift Shop

Since they opened their doors in 1927, the Caravan Gift Shop has been a fixture in the Ann Arbor community, welcoming locals and visitors alike to their shop in the historic Nickels Arcade. As one of the oldest retail businesses in the city, Caravan has established an excellent list of vendors, including more than 100 artists here in the U.S. and around the world. Not sure what to give that special someone? They’ve put together a variety of gift boxes with various themes, including a hostess/move-in gift set, a student pick-me-up gift set, a floral gift set, and more.

 

The Little Seedling

Have a little one on your holiday shopping list? Pick out the perfect gift at The Little Seedling, a local store with adorable clothing and accessories for babies and kids. The story of The Little Seedling began when Molly Ging, also known as “The Diaper Lady,” began selling cloth diapers and started Tree City Diapers. The business has since evolved to include a product lineup of strollers, car seats, apparel and other items, all sold at their new location under a new name. This spacious shop is filled with just about everything you need as a new parent ⁠— or for the new parents in your life!

 

#ShopSmall

Where are you “shopping small” this holiday season? Let us know in the comments below!