Excerpts from the article:
Many shoppers treasure the unhurried pace, personal attention and
one-of-a-kind merchandise found in several southeastern Michigan
downtown areas such as Milford and Detroit's New Center.
While loads of shoppers prefer the malls and larger chain retailers
for convenience and price, it is in smaller places that some people are
finding holiday magic this year.
At Biz-R Collection in New Center, employees will sit on the floor
to help shoppers try on winter boots. Pure Detroit in the Fisher
Building is the only place in town where you can find a
turquoise-colored tote bag made entirely from seat belts.
Where Milford has charm, Detroit's New Center area has an urban
flair and taste with a mix of apparel, gift and jewelry stores in three
office buildings -- Fisher, New Center One and Cadillac Place --
straddling Grand Boulevard.
"You are going to find unique things here. People will know I took a
little more time to find it," said Faith Howard-Drain of Detroit, who
was shopping at Pure Detroit in the Fisher Building on Thursday. The
store carries a wide range of Detroit items such as Vernors pop,
Pewabic tile, Harveys seat belt bags, holiday cards with Detroit scenes
and branded clothing.
At the Detroit Gallery of Contemporary Crafts, also in the Fisher
Building, manager Pam Primak said the store won't discount its
merchandise for the holidays but does try to bring in an array of gift
items at around $25 for the season.
Across the street at New Center One, the city's largest independent
retailer, Biz-R Collection, offers personal service that keeps shoppers
coming back. The 10-year-old store now stretches more than 15,000 feet
on the second floor.
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