I Buy Nearby
Can you imagine your town without the unique, local shops it has? The older I’ve gotten, the more I’ve come to appreciate shopping local and supporting small business. My mom is a small gift shop owner, and I’ve seen how much time, effort and energy that goes into curating a retail space. It makes shopping special, unique, and meaningful to your city! In Grand Rapids, we have so many amazing places to shop and eat. I’m excited to be partnering with the Michigan Retailers Association to promote the upcoming I Buy Nearby Weekend, which is the first weekend in October. By shopping at your favorite local retailers, and sharing an image using the #ibuynearby hashtag, you could enter for a chance to win a $500 Discover gift card!
Today I’m sharing a few of my local favorite places when I need a cute new outfit, a gift for a friend, or if I’m grabbing a delicious brunch out.
Photo by Leigh Ann Cobb
Photo by Leigh Ann Cobb
Photo by Leigh Ann Cobb
LEE & BIRCH
Lee & Birch is definitely my favorite boutique in the area. They have three locations — one in Grand Rapids (right in my neighborhood!) on Wealthy Street, another location in Rockford, and a location in Grand Haven. They always have really cute, quality items… and amazing brands. I love their slightly boho aesthetic, but they also have plenty of items for the modern or classic gal. They have a huge jewelry selection, that I love. I’m always finding really unique necklaces there. Plus, I love how involved they are in the local community.
Photo by Leigh Ann Cobb
Photo by Leigh Ann Cobb
THAT EARLY BIRD
That Early Bird is one of my favorites to take people for a delicious breakfast, or a brunch work session. The interior is beautifully decorated — white, hip, modern, and definitely Insta-worthy. Their menu is so delicious — think avocado toast, breakfast tacos, ramen, and lots of healthy and veggie-based options. Definitely worth a stop for a coffee and a snack if you’re in the Eastown area of Grand Rapids!
REBEL RECLAIMED
Rebel Reclaimed is my favorite eclectic little shop for gift items, cute accessories, candles, and anytime I ever need a cute card for a wedding, baby shower, you name it. They offer super quirky paper goods, home accessories and more. The shop is small but mighty! As soon as you walk in, you have a million things to look at. Plus, they have so many Michigan-based goodies and artisan products, you feel great supporting a local business who supports local artists. Love this place!
BAILEY & JAMES BOUTIQUE
The next two places are based in Rockford (about a 15-minute drive from downtown GR) but totally worth the commute. I love this romantic little boutique called Bailey & James. They offer vintage home decor, new home decor, gifts, and items made by local Michigan artisans. Everytime I stop in here, I always pick up an amazing-smelling candle, a cute art print or two, and I love the many floral-print items they offer. They also have a small section of cute dresses and fashion accessories, which I always love to check out.
JADE
Jade is just a hop and a skip away from Bailey & James, and I just love shopping that little area in Rockford! Jade is located in a 100-year old building right along the Rogue River; aka; super duper fun location. They have so many items to check out — I’ve always left with the cutest dresses and handbags from this shop! Definitely fashion-forward, and fun to check out if you love boutique-style shopping.
I hope you enjoyed some of my favorite local places to shop! Don’t forget to put the I Buy Nearby weekend in your calendar (October 6, 7, 8) and plan to promote your favorite local retailer using the hashtag #ibuynearby on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram to enter for a chance to win the $500 gift card!
This post is sponsored by the Michigan Retailers Association.