What is Black Friday, Really?

Many people give an incorrect connotation to "Black Friday". In its present common usage, it is the first official shopping day of the holiday season when many retailers, having operated "in the red" all year, finally start making a profit, putting them "in the black".

The term actually actually first appeared in the 19th century in Philadelphia when the police were faced with disruptive pedestrian and vehicular traffic the day after Thanksgiving. There was also a market crash in the late 1800s the day after Thanksgiving, causing the day to be named "Black Friday".

The Friday after Thanksgiving did not become the largest shopping day of the holiday season until very recently; about 2003. Until then, it was the day after Christmas when stores put everything on sale to clear their leftover inventory before the end of the calendar year. 

Stores now have hyped "Black Friday Sales" which are starting earlier and earlier--sometimes days before the Friday after Thanksgiving. Many stores open at 3:00 and 4:00 in the morning on Friday; some stores actually opened at 10pm Thursday night.

What will "Black Friday" mean for you? Hopefully, even though the economy is slowly improving, and it is good that people are shopping again, you and your family will not go "into the red" by over-shopping on "Black Friday". 

Posted via email from The Black Liberal Boomer Blog

Doing it in Detroit: SHOP DETROIT EVENT

The holidays are quickly approaching and Detroiters usually have a lot on their minds during this time. We realize that you want to maintain your holiday traditions such as gift giving and shopping, and if your anything like us, your also wondering how you can stretch your dollar this year. This post features some of Detroit's best places to buy gifts for your loved ones and friends. We'll show you places that are local and affordable.

The sixth annual Shop Detroit features giveaways, demonstrations, shuttle transportation, and gift wrapping station, plus many discounts at participating retailers. Come on out and shop alone or bring the entire family. For more information visit http://www.detroitsynergy.org/

PRE-REGISTER FOR YOUR FREE SHOPPING BAG NOW!



The "D" Spot's
FEATURED STORES



Hugh located at 2333 Park Ave. in Downtown Detroit

http://www.lovehughlongtime.com/




Flo Boutique located at 404 W. Willis | Detroit, MI 48201

http://www.flowingflava.com/




City Bird is located at 460 W. Canfield, Detroit, MI 48201
http://www.ilovecitybird.com/

Bureau of Urban Living is located at 460 W. Canfield st., Detroit, MI 48201| Open Tues-Sat 11-7http://www.bureauliving.com/

Source: Model D
Shamless Plug: Want more? Read The "D" Spot!

Shopping in Detroit: Shop in Detroit!

Detroit Synergy is holding its 5th Annual "Shop Detroit" event for the Holidays to encourage people to explore and support shopping in the City of Detroit! This year, four different shopping areas in Detroit have been highlighted: Downtown, Midtown/New Center, Russell Bazaar, and this weekend on December 20: Eastern Market.

 

The event is from 11 am to 4 pm with Check-in at Shed #4. If you haven't participated in this fun and exciting event, you can do your last minute shopping this Saturday! The Detroit Evolution Lab, featuring organic and locally grown and sustainable foods and health events, will have an open house and food tasting from 2 - 4 pm.

From the Detroit Synergy Website:

December 20 | Eastern Market

Check In @ Shed 5 | Russell Street

You know it and love it! Enjoy the bounty that is Eastern Market. Gifts for all the foodies in your life—from locally made products to goodies from around the globe—there's something for everyone! Looking for just the right ingredients for your holiday dinner? Now's the time to pick it up! Whether you're sticking with tradition or cookin' up something new, Eastern Market's got you covered!

Parking: Parking is available in the lot adjacent to Shed 5, located at the corner of Russell and Alfred.

Tours: Our friends from Inside Detroit will be on hand to lead you down Russell Street and let you in on the inside scoop. See below for details.

Sales/Fun Stuff: The market is always bustling on Saturdays—here just a few highlights.
• 2009 Detroit. It's Worth It. Calendars available for sale for $15, OR Calendar/Synergy T-shirt combo for $20!
• Be sure to stop by your favorites, as well as lesser know retailers. Details to come.
• Detroit Evolution Lab will host an open house from 2-4pm. Stop by for samples and purchase a gift certificate or two! Click here for more info on the Lab. (1434 Gratiot Ave. #1, entrance in rear.)

Shopping in Detroit Memories: Kern's and Crowley's

In this week's post about shopping in Detroit we're going back to a couple of the "old-school" department stores many of us remember.

In a previous post, I briefly mentioned probably everyone's favorite: Hudson's; of course I will dedicate an entire post to the JL Hudson Department Store. If you went downtown to Hudson's, then you certainly remember Kern's and Crowley's.

Kern's Department store was started back in 1883 as the Ernst Kern Dry Good Company. A fire in 1886 caused the store to be rebuilt on the corner of Randolph and Monroe streets, but as business grew, the store moved again in 1900 to its last location on Woodward and Gratiot. It continued to grow and develop into Detroit's third largest department store by the 1950s. At that time, the Kern Family, who owned a home in my neighborhood, the Boston-Edison Historic District, sold the store to a corporation in New York state which finally closed the doors on Kern's on December 23, 1959. The corporate headquarters of Compuware was built where Kern's was located; and the redesigned "Kern's Clock" stands guard at the corner of Woodward and Gratiot.

Besides the famous clock, what I remember most about Kern's is the escalator: it was completely made of wood, not metal. What do you remember?

Crowley's Department store lasted longer than Kern's; the last store, which was located in New Center One, closed in 1999. "Crowley's" was actually the Crowley-Milner Company, which began in 1909 when the Crowley Brothers of Detroit, Joseph, William, and Daniel, merged with the W.L. Milner store in Toledo Ohio. Although Milner was killed in an automobile accident in 1923 and his family sold his shares in the department store's chain, the Crowley family kept the official name. Throughout the decades, and in spite of the Great Depression and several top management changes, Crowley's continued to grow and expand throughout the 1970s and 1980s. It had stores in the enclosed malls around Detroit, as well as Lansing and Flint; as well as the flagship store in downtown Detroit, which finally closed in 1977.

Although Crowley's struggled to maintain its original upscale image, by 1995, three of its last stores were bought by the company that owns Value City, and the store were named "Crowley's Value City". The Crowley's name was eventually dropped; Value City off-price retail stores still exist. However, many of us prefer to remember the Crowley's of the 1950s and 1960s, which along with Hudson's had the most beautiful holiday displays and high-brow shopping experiences in town. Our mothers actually dressed in white gloves, high heels, and hats to go shopping!

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Shopping in Detroit: Simply Casual and Shoehouse Blvd.

It's Tuesday, and time for our weekly shopping trip in The "D"! If you're looking for a beautiful specialty store on the Westside, travel over to the former "Avenue of Fashion"--now called "University Commons" on Livernois between 6 Mile and 8 Mile. There, on the corner of Livernois and Outer Drive, entrepreneur Rufus Bartell has re-located his store: Simply Casual. Just down the street Bartell has also opened the companion store: Shoehouse Blvd.

 

Photo Courtesy of ModelDMedia

Simply Casual has been open since 1997, first located at 7 Mile and Wyoming, in the "Rite-Aid" lot. In 2006, Bartell moved the store to its present location, the former site of a popular cleaners. In fact, the cleaners' conveyor belt has been incorporated into the new loft-style design of the store which rises two levels and can display up to eighteen hundred garments.

There are three merchandise categories at Simply Casual, allowing for clothing and accessories at all price points. Believing in the fashion-forward marketplace of Detroit, Bartell is working hard to help overcome the negative "rap" of Detroit and to let people know about the positive opportunities in the City. He works with the Independent Retailers Association of Detroit to help entrepreneurs find and develop vacant retail space.

 

Photo Courtesy of ModelDMedia 

Simply Casual is located at 19400 North Livernois, Detroit MI 48221. Rufus Bartell envisions his stores and the others in University Commons helping to make the University Commons District a "walkable neighborhood of shops" harking back to the "glory days" of the "Avenue of Fashion". Simply Casual is open seven days a week; for more details, call 313.864.7979

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Shopping in Detroit: Zaccaro's Market

See my Squidoo version of this article here...

In many urban areas, it is difficult to find high quality grocery stores in the neighborhoods. In Detroit, however, there are several grocery stores that are filling that need. It is not necessary to go to the 'burbs for the freshest food selections, although there are wonderful stores all over the Detroit Metroplex.

Located on Woodward in Midtown Detroit just north of Mack Avenue, Zaccaro's Market, owned by Northpointe Food Ventures, brings to Detroit a new shopping venue for wholesome, locally produced

fresh food and deli items.

Zaccaro's has several departments within its store, including bakery items, fresh seafood and meats, imported cheeses, and local and imported wines. There is a large selection of natural and organic foods as well.

The interior of Zaccaro's reflects the historic building in which it is located, and the location right on Woodward makes the store accessible by both private and public transporation, as well as within walking distance of everyone in Midtown. There is a parking lot in the back of the store.

Catering is available, and as a part of its mission to be an integral part of the community, Zaccaro's Market also has various events thoughout the year.

Yes, right here in Detroit, you can shop in a beautiful grocery store for the freshest food items and a full delicatessen!

Detroit's Specialty Food Market and Cafe'
3100 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48201
(313) 832-3400 Fax (313) 832-3401
Open M-Th - 8-8 pm, Fr-Sa - 8-9 pm, Su - 10-5 pm

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Shopping in Detroit: Pewabic Pottery

When it's time to remodel your Detroit home, whether it's old or new, you'll want to schedule a visit to Detroit's own unique Arts and Crafts Design Studio and Museum: Pewabic Pottery, located on East Jefferson.

One of only three of the original potteries in America founded during the Arts and Crafts Movement, Pewabic Pottery has been in existence since 1903. It is now nationally renowned and home builders and home remodelers alike realize the pride and added resale value inherent in having "made by Pewabic Pottery" design elements in their homes.

Pewabic Pottery was founded by Mary Chase Perry Stratton in a stable on Alfred Street. In 1908, the studio moved to its present location in the beautiful custom-designed (by William Chase Stratton) Tudor Revival building in which it still is located. In 1991, the building was designated a National Historic Landmark; and is the only historic pottery in Michigan.

Pewabic Pottery produces tiles, ornaments, gifts, gardenware, and historic reproductions and adaptations. Custom installations are all over the world, including many national landmarks and government installations.

The work of Pewabic Pottery is well known for its unique glazing of its tiles and other objects.

Today, the in-house designers and artists work with homeowners and architects to create custom tile designs for public buildings, private corporate offices, and private homes.

Pewabic Pottery today includes a museum with tour schedule, an education center, design studio, workshops and exhibits, and an online store.

No matter what design idea, you'll be sure to find something to enhance
your home or office at Pewabic Pottery.

The next time you ride the Detroit People Mover, make sure to notice the "Arts in the Station" murals at the Times Square Station. The murals, designed by Tom Phardel, were specifically commissioned for the 1987 opening of the Detroit People in honor of Detroit architect and philanthropist W. Hawkins Ferry.

Pewabic Pottery is open from 10 -6 Monday through Saturday, and 12 - 4 on Sundays.

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The BizR Collection

Yes, there is the Somerset Collection in Troy, but we have great "Collections" here in the "D", too!

If you're looking for great clothes, shoes, hats, and accessories that scream "Detroit!", head on over to the New Center Area right on the corner of The Boulevard and Second.



Biz-R accepts all major credit cards; shoes sizes available range from 6 - 12. You'll also find "Sunday Goin' to Meeting" suits and hats, boots, sandals, and the all important accessories.

Back "in the day", the space where Biz-R is now was occupied by the "old-school" stores we remember: Winkelman's, Crowley's, even Gantos! But those stores are long gone now, and Biz-R has taken up the mantle of "Shop in Detroit" for well over a decade. According to the owner, Biz-R is here to stay!

Just what we love to hear!
Happy Shopping in the "D"!

Old-School Family-owned Hardware Store Right Here in the "D"

In connection with my 1st "Detroit Neighborhoods" post about an area with many homes more than 100 years old, I want to tell you about a hardware store tailor-made for owners of historic homes and restored lofts.

Walking into Detroit Hardware, located at 6432 Woodward just south of "the Boulevard", is akin to stepping back in time several decades. Uneven wooden plank floors, glass front display cases, a vintage tin ceiling with ceiling fans, two floors connected with a somewhat rickety staircase, rows and rows of nails, nuts and bolts, old-fashioned washboard, hard-to-find plumbing fixtures greet grateful DIY-ers and contractors.

Most of all, there are wonderful, helpful men and women who actually know every inch of the store and take the time to answer every question. Whether you need that whistling "thingy" for the top of your pressure cooker, clawfeet for your antique bathtub, extra keys cut, or even a hunting or fishing license, you'll find what you're looking for at Detroit Hardware.

We in the "D" are certainly glad that one of the "big-box" home improvement centers decided to locate one of their stores in the City, but we are equally glad to have a delightfully charming, family-owned and operated real neighborhood hardware store in the Woodward Gateway Retail District within the Midtown/New Center area.

You can enter the store from Woodward, or park in lot behind the store off Milwaukee and enter through the creaky steel back door. The beautiful and distinctive red-and-white striped awning on the storefront on Woodward was purchased a few years ago with funds obtained from the New Center Council; funds raised partially through the annual Cityfest.

For more information and hours, call 313.875.0838

Detroit Neighborhood: Boston-Edison Historic District

The Boston-Edison Historic District is one of the City's oldest and most beautiful historic neighborhoods.

(Full disclosure: we bought our Boston-Edison home in 2002...that's why this neighborhood is my first post of this "Detroit Neighborhood" series!)

Located in a 36-block area of approximately 900 homes, Boston-Edison was originally platted with a land grant by the Territory of Michigan to John R. Williams in 1822, and three land grants to Thomas Palmer in 1828 and 1834. (John R. Williams was an early mayor of Detroit; "John R" street is named after him. Palmer Park was named after Thomas Palmer.) The first homes in Boston-Edison were built starting in 1915.



Boston-Edison is bordered by Woodward Avenue on the east, Linwood Street on the west, Boston Boulevard on the north, and Edison Street on the south. The north-south John C Lodge (also known as state highway M-10) freeway goes through the neighborhood, providing easy access to Downtown Detroit, the suburbs, and all other major freeways.

The developers of the current Boston-Edison area were some of Detroit's most prominent, wealthy, and well-known citizens of the late 19th and early 20th centuries: Edward Voight, Truman and John Newberry (of Packard Motors), Henry B. Joy (also of Packard Motors and for whom "Joy Road" was named), Henry Ford, James Couzens, the Fisher Brothers (manufacturers with early General Motors and built the Fisher Building), John W. Drake (Hupp Motor Company), W. O. Briggs (former Detroit Tigers owner after whom Briggs Stadium was named, and the owner of Briggs Manufacturing Company), Sebastian Kresge (Kresge Stores, now K-mart), J. L. Webber (nephew of J. L. Hudson of Husdon's Department Store), Benjamin Siegel (B. Siegel's Department Store), and Rabbi Leo M. Franklin (Temple Beth El, Michigan's oldest Jewish Congregation).

After the Henry Ford Hospital (1915) and the Fisher Building (1927) were opened on nearby West Grand Boulevard, the Boston-Edison neighborhood attracted many of Detroit's business and religious leaders, doctors, dentists, pharmacists (including Sidney Barthwell, one of Detroit's most influential African-American pharmacists).

In 1974, Boston-Edison received historic designation from the City of Detroit, the State of Michigan, and the Federal Government, ensuring B-E's neighborhood viability and architectural distinctiveness. Historic District Ordinances are strictly enforced.

Today, the homes of Boston-Edison are owned and occupied by people of diverse ages, races, professions, and occupations. Several times each year, there are parades, holiday parties, home tours, picnics in Voight Park, other cultural and social events.

Boston-Edison is one of the 25 Detroit Neighborhoods designated as Neighborhood Enterprise Zones (NEZ), in which many homes qualify for reduced tax assessments of up to 15 mils.

For more information about the Boston-Edison Historic District, including many homes currently for sale, check out the Historic Boston-Edison Association website, from which much of the information in this post was obtained. The HBEA, the oldest continuous neighborhood association in the City, was founded in 1921.

Russell Bazaar to Open in Late July 2008

As a Detroiter and/or Detroit Booster, you have most probably heard of Albert Kahn, one of the most prolific architects of the late 19th and early 20th century in Detroit. One of the beautiful buildings Albert Kahn designed in 1923 is now called the Russell Industrial Center, located near the Eastern Market.

Starting in late July, the new Russell Bazaar will officially open, giving Detroiters an opportunity to shop in the city in a beautiful indoor "trade center" venue. According to Eric Novak, leasing agent for the Boydel Development Group, the Russell Bazaar will eventually include seven stories, 160,000 sq.ft., over 600 vendors, and have a food court, live music, and a drive- and bike-in movie theater.

Yes, there are similar venues in the 'burbs, but with the opening of the Russell Bazaar, you can "Shop in Detroit"!

For more information and/or a vendor application, call (313) 972-7009 or send an email.