Cheboygan Main Street: Main Street is ready for you!
Just look — you’ll find something along Main Street that is perfect for somebody on your gift list!
Downtown merchants have stocked their shops with a wide variety unique treasures, waiting for your perusal of their boutiques. From stocking stuffers galore, to dazzling jewelry, comfy home accessories, knock-out holiday outfits, creative toys and books, and gourmet food gifts, the variety of choices this year will surprise you.
While it’s easy to shop online — those profiting from your online purchases don’t live here. They are not our neighbors. They don’t pay taxes here, educate their kids in Cheboygan schools, or spend their money here to support the local economy. Purchases online have generated record profits during the past year. It’s time to spread our money around. Let’s keep that money here to benefit all of us. It doesn’t take much to make that happen!
Just look. You’ll be surprised to find the perfect gift when you don’t even know what it is.
The greatest challenge to shopping Main Street is getting off the couch and making your way downtown. Here’s what you’ll find when you get there. Real people are there to greet you and help make suggestions. They are the experts. It doesn’t matter how much you buy, or if you buy nothing. Merchants and salespeople are happy to see you on the street and in their shops. You are giving them a chance to earn your business. You are helping give their shop a festive atmosphere with your presence. Every purchase you make is a win on both sides.
It’s more fun to shop alongside other customers too. Sometimes they are the experts — and have bought something similar. Or, they offer advice on something you are considering. Or, they have children or grandchildren the same age as yours and can help judge the correct size. Plus, how many times have you run into a friend you haven’t seen lately, and are able to catch up with them? Just get off the couch and make it happen.
Most shops offer gift cards and gift certificates too. (They are especially easy to wrap.) Remember the restaurants for gift-giving choices as well. Dining certificates, and those for libations, garner gratitude — without worry about correct sizing. They always fit!
So, give Main Street and downtown Cheboygan a chance to earn your business this year!
To learn more about Cheboygan Main Street and the Main Street program, visit cheboyganmainstreet.org.
— Sherry Nelson is a retired newspaper business entrepreneur. Happy to be living in Northern Michigan full time for more than ten years, she enjoys hiking the many nature preserves nearby and volunteering with Great Lakes Lighthouse Keepers Association, Earth Week Plus, and the city Coast Guard Connection committee.
This article originally appeared on Cheboygan Daily Tribune: Cheboygan Main Street: Main Street is ready for you!
