441 W. Canfield St., Detroit; 313-285-2390; www.shinola.com
President Barack Obama has a Shinola watch. So does President Bill Clinton. Since coming on the scene in 2011, Shinola has become the most visible of Detroit brands. Fittingly for the Motor City, the brand is built on quality manufacturing done by Michigan workers — of watches, journals, bicycles, and leather goods. Midtown canines know Shinola, too, for the popular dog park they opened at Canfield Street and Cass Avenue.
3641 E. Davison St., Detroit; 313-891-5640
Four generations of Suchers have manned this Detroit tire store. "Honestly, I never planned on doing this," Jon Sucher, great-grandson of the store's original founder, Jacob, tells MT. While he may have fell into the job, one thing is for sure: This store cares about its customers. The fact that it's family-owned, and for year, we might add, is a real selling point.
6432 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313-875-0838; detroithardwareco.com
How they pack everything you'd need for a home project into this cozy store is a mystery. How they find the right fittings so quickly is another. And if they don't have it, they'll tell you where you can get it; they're that honest. It all began when Albert Green started working here in 1926, right out of high school. He was joined by Jack Hocking in the 1930s. In the 1950s, the two teamed up and bought the business. Green's daughter, Emily Webster, still works here. And that family-run charm extends to the kind service. The small parking lot in the back doesn't hurt, either.
Walkable, charming, and clean, downtown Birmingham is a joy to meander around. But the real selling point is the shopping. With six antique and gallery spaces, nearly 50 clothing and accessory stores and 17 jewelers, this is a place to while away both an afternoon and a couple of bucks.
22801 Woodward Ave., Ferndale; 810-441-0956; www.rustbeltmarket.com
Featuring 50 independent shops in a 4,000-square-foot event space, the Rust Belt Market in Ferndale has become something of a Metro Detroit institution, or at least a go-to spot when looking to find new artists and gifts for loved ones and yourself. While shopping is great, we're so excited for the market to get a bar in this spring! Now that's how to have a shopping experience.
See abcwarehouse.com for locations
It's often said that there's two things in life that are certain: death and taxes, and we think you could throw buying some sort of home appliance into that mix. Whether it's a toaster or a state-of-the-art smart appliance (you know, the fridges that like link up to the cloud or whatever), ABC Warehouse will have you covered. The Michigan-based retailer has been outfitting people's homes and businesses since 1963 and is unparalleled when it comes to selection and expertise. Plus, Gordy's awesome.
Where does one even begin? Faygo, the brightly colored pop, is a Michigan classic. From black cherry to the original red pop, Faygo has been staining lips for decades. We totally get why the Juggalos have adopted Faygo as their official family drink.
4120 2nd Ave., Detroit; 313-309-7892; willleathergoods.com
Have you seen this space? The high-end, Oregon-based retailer set up shop inside the old Tomboy Supermarket in Midtown and boy, is it gorgeous. Peddling $500 handbags, $640 rugs, $160 wallets, and $55 shoe horns, among other things, this is a trendy new addition to Midtown's burgeoning shopping district.
1500 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313-437-8095; johnvarvatos.com
John Varvatos, the luxury designer and Allen Park native, launched his 4,000-square-foot Detroit store last year with a private Alice Cooper concert. In addition to the chic, rock 'n' roll apparel — T-shirts, boots, leather jackets — you can head upstairs to find a record and vintage audio equipment store. Even if you're only window-shopping, the store is worth a visit to see the dozens of prints of iconic rock photography that line the walls.
15 E. Kirby St., Detroit; 313-559-5500; shopparkshelton.com/The_Peacock_Room.html
Rachel Lutz's boutique offers new and vintage clothing and accessories, as well as antique furniture and eclectic artifacts. The Peacock Room occupies a gorgeous space in the historic Park Shelton. As we detailed in a 2014 profile of Lutz, she's been around Midtown since a very young age. "People work here, people live here, people play here. Too many people underestimate Detroit," she told us. Amen.
1000 Town Center, Southfield; 248-557-3645; yourrights.com
After spending many years plastered across metro Detroit in the form of outdoor advertising, the glamorous face of Joumana Kayrouz needs no introduction. And yet, to many, she was a sphinx: something everybody knew but nobody knew the real story behind. At least until Drew Philp's 2014 Metro Times story revealed a woman who struggled against the odds to become an attorney who ensures her clients' access to justice. Our readers would seem to agree.
19390 W. 10 Mile Rd., Southfield; 248-355-5555; fiegerlaw.com
The attorney famous for defending "Dr. Death" Jack Kevorkian is back in the news after filing a $100 million lawsuit against the state and McLaren Flint Hospital earlier this year, representing people who contracted Legionnaire's disease in connection with the Flint water crisis. With his unmistakable hair, unceasing TV ads, and vivacious manner, Fieger is as recognizable as a GM badge in Detroit. But we'd hazard a guess that it's his track record of winning cases for clients at times in their lives when they need a strong advocate that makes him our readers' choice for best male attorney.
See loverslane.com for locations
This popular chain store has some of the sexiest clothes a person could wear. Buy it to show off to another, or to just treat yourself, or a sexy significant other — Lover's Lane has it all. And we're not talking just lingerie; there are hot bathing suits, faux leather corsets and skin-tight tie-dye dresses to buy, as well.
Available online at detroitmfg.com or at The Detroit Mercantile Co., 3434 Russell St., Detroit; 313-831-9000
Founded in 1991, Detroit Manufacturing is the brainchild of Robert Stanzler, who wanted to create a design company dedicated to "the exploration of Detroit's identity through design." In that time, he's created some of the most iconic shirts inspired by the Motor City, and we look forward to the company's booth every year at Dally in the Alley. We're particularly partial to the one that says "DETROIT" three times in various funky rainbow colors and a 70's-inspired font. Represent!
See tappers.com for locations
This fine jewelry chain has rings that will dazzle. Go with custom designs or browse through Tapper's "Rock Her World" collection — no matter which way you go, we're sure it will delight and you'll find something special for that perfect person in your life.
10125 E. Jefferson Ave, Detroit; 313-626-2000
Founded in 1903, Pewabic is one of three historic Arts & Crafts-era potteries still around. While the nonprofit has garnered fans for its inclusive classes, design studio sessions, and studio tours, Pewabic is most memorable for its classic and nationally renowned handmade ceramic tiles and vases. All dipped in a unique glaze, Pewabic's ceramic pieces are a great asset to any home — not to a mention a wonderful gift to pass along to others.
623 S. Washington Ave., Royal Oak; 248-591-4554; gentlemensconsignment.com
Kelly Pepper opened his consignment shop after losing so much weight that his otherwise perfectly fine designer threads no longer fit his new svelte frame. Now, his Royal Oak shop deals in clothing, shoes, accessories, neckties, and more. They even have a tailor who works in-store to make sure you go home fitting perfectly into your fashionable finds.
127 E. 14 Mile Rd., Clawson; 248-589-0500
Owned by longtime friends Melanie Williams and Nicole Duffey, Regeneration offers a unique buying and selling experience for thrift store enthusiasts. Williams says this uniqueness stems from their ability to cultivate lasting relationships with their customers, treating each of them like family from the first time they walk inside.
See salarmythrift.com for locations
With an internationally recognized charity and deep roots in faith, the Salvation Army is more than just a thrift store gold mine. Their positive impact is felt the world over with numerous initiatives for the betterment of human life with everything from addiction rehab to emergency response in natural disasters.
See valueworld.net for locations
With 12 locations in Michigan, Value World is a gently used treasure trove for thrift store aficionados with everything from designer label clothing, to home décor, and even vinyl.
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