‘Tis the Season to Shop Small
There’s something magical about shopping this time of year. Whether you’re hunting for the perfect gift, dressing up your home for the holidays, or just craving a home-baked sweet to remind you of holidays past, Macomb County’s small businesses are brimming with charm, creativity and community spirit. Located nearby and owned by our neighbors, these are the perfect places to find festive cheer and support our community – while finding the perfect gift for everyone on your list. And not just at the holidays, but all year long.
Start your weekend treasure hunt at Antiques at Maria’s in Clinton Township. Here you’ll be delighted by 8,000 square feet of carefully curated home decor, furnishings, hobby items, jewelry and much, much more. Also offering a full complement of unique estate sale services under one roof, owner Maria Vitale Furquim and her team have carved out a niche that goes beyond the average estate sale company. Open weekends, and recently relocated to this larger location on Garfield Road, they are excited to expand onsite inventory and offer more instore events like fundraisers and, new this year, live auctions. As her annual tradition, starting November 1, Antiques at Maria’s completely transformed to 100 percent Christmas, with special events hosted onsite for the holiday. Maria has made it a priority to keep the warm, welcoming quality the shop is known for.
“Our shop is family-friendly, warm and inviting. I want this place to feel homey and our clients to feel comfortable,” she said. And she and her team are committed to the highest standards of cleanliness and quality, “If I wouldn’t take it to my own home, I won’t bring it to the shop,” she adds.
Nearby, Consign Couture is a must-stop to refi ne your home decor before the rush of holiday gatherings. Owner Rosemarie Baldwin hand selects the high-end furniture and home goods that Consign Couture features, in addition to new lines of “Made in Michigan” products and exclusive specialty home accessories.
Also in Clinton Township, Kutcha’s Corner is a delightful mix of new, gently used and handcrafted treasures. Kutcha’s offers a blend of home décor, custom engraved products, and handmade items from talented local artisans.
Kids of all ages (even the grown-up ones) will delight in a visit to Sarge and Red’s in Utica. It is an experience like no other, with two floors of every toy or game you could think of – from vintage classics to the very latest. Your first visit to Sarge and Red’s won’t be your last – and that is exactly what its community-minded owners, John and Dee Davis, are striving to create. “We are much more than a toy store,” says Dee. “We’re an experience – we get to know you when you come in, you’re part of our family.”
Not only do they take pride in their personalized service, they will gladly special order items upon request and have developed a business model that helps them keep prices competitive. “It’s a common misconception that small businesses are more expensive than large retail chains,” says Dee.
Families will love a stop at The Toy Box in Utica, where shelves are lined with classic toys, educational games, and joyful surprises. It’s a neighborhood favorite and a nostalgic reminder of what toy shopping used to feel like—personal, playful, and full of wonder.
If you’re in the mood for a treat, follow the scent of freshly baked goods straight to Cravin’ Raven in Mount Clemens. Family-run and full of heart, this cozy bakery offers baked goods, plus a hearty menu of homemade soups, fresh sandwiches, and more. The shop also features gifts, kitchen products and more. It’s an ideal place to enjoy lunch and a little shopping plus pick up goodies to take along. Swing down to the Four808 store in St. Clair Shores for gifts that feel anything but ordinary. This whimsical spot features a wide variety of accessories, clothing, decor, and more, with a focus on local and handmade items. It’s a great place to find unique of gifts and inventory changes often so you’ll want to come back again and again. Right nearby, step into floral wonderland at Rustic Root Design Co, in St. Clair Shores. Not only do they create stunning arrangements perfect for hostess gifts or your holiday table— they also host workshops, so you can create your own festive masterpiece. The young and the young at heart will love Whistle Stop Hobby and Toy, Inc. in St. Clair Shores. From arts and crafts to building sets to model trains and remote-control vehicles, this local gem has been in business for more than 55 years and gradually evolved from an antique and train shop into a combination hobby and toy store for the whole family. Head to Uptown Girl Novelties in New Baltimore for a boutique experience. From women’s clothing, accessories, gifts, as well as chocolate and Michigan-made items, this sweet little shop hosts products from more than 50 local vendors. Stroll along the festive New Baltimore streets to enjoy the town’s Christmas tree and you’ll also find goods and gifts that celebrate life on the water at Boater City Marketplace. Think coastal vibes, nautical flair and beach-town coziness in apparel and home goods that feel like a lakefront vacation. Further north in downtown Richmond, Main Street Mercantile & Co invites you to wander through one of the town’s historic buildings, home to a thoughtfully curated collection of vintage finds, handmade goods, chocolates and treats, and creations from local artisans. It’s the kind of place that inspires you to slow down and really enjoy the shopping experience. Just outside our Macomb border, in Casco, ZLM Outdoor Living features essentials for luxury outdoor living, from furniture to firepits, but their wonderful secret is all the holiday and seasonal décor. It’s worth a stop just to see how beautifully festive the showroom is decorated for the season. “People may not know that we specialize in total décor for outdoor living. Whether it’s your entire outdoor space or your front porch, we can help you add the ‘wow’ factor regardless of your budget,” says Catherine Lusby, sales and operations.
And if you’re after that storybook holiday vibe, make your way to Frontier Town in Washington Township. This rustic little village of shops and eateries includes an old fashioned Country Store, an ice cream shop and many specialty stores fi lled with gifts, collectibles, antiques, holiday décor, chocolates, custom-painted furniture, collectibles, homemade desserts, and much, much more. “Our stores are true ‘mom and pop shops,’ so every purchase you make really does have an impact on the families that own them,” said Lindsey Sokana, property manager of Frontier Town as well as owner of the Frontier Town Ice Cream Parlor. “ And that helps our community, too, because all of our businesses are dedicated to giving back to schools and other local organizations.” Make it an adventure and explore the unique, the handmade, and the heartfelt at Macomb County’s small businesses as you shop for the holidays this year. You’ll fi nd more than just gifts — you’ll find the warmth and friendliness of our county and the spirit of the season.
