Summary:
Small Business Saturday brings local entrepreneurs together in Corktown and Southwest Detroit.
Over 20 popup booths showcased local talent at the Detroit Hispanic Development Corp.
Bob Roberts, president of the Corktown Business Association, highlights the economic resilience of Detroit.
Local businesses still face challenges due to rising labor costs and price inflation.
Jennyfer Crawford encourages year-round support for local businesses.
Local entrepreneurs kicked off the holiday season this weekend with Small Business Saturday in Corktown and Southwest Detroit.
Shoppers explored local talent among more than 20 popup booths at the Detroit Hispanic Development Corp. at 1211 Trumbull. A courtesy event shuttle allowed them to check out participating brick-and-mortar shops between the two historic neighborhoods.
The afternoon was a joyful reminder of the city’s economic resilience, said Bob Roberts, owner of McShane’s Irish Pub and president of the Corktown Business Association. Local small businesses have been participating in Small Business Saturday for years. Roberts believes this weekend’s event was the neighborhood’s strongest coordinated effort since 2019.
Reconfiguring the in-person shopping experience has been especially challenging since the COVID-19 pandemic struck in 2020. Michiganians are just starting to venture out to local businesses again, nearly five years later. However, rising labor costs and price inflation still weigh heavily on local businesses.
“We like to say that we’ve recovered, but we haven’t recovered,” Roberts stated. “We’ve survived.”
The cozy Michigan Avenue pub was already experiencing a small influx of customers shortly after the event kicked off at 11 a.m.. More importantly, Roberts hopes Saturday’s shoppers will continue supporting local businesses throughout the holiday season, a time when cold weather and the allure of big box online shopping often deter people from venturing out.
“It’s just the one day and it’s great, but I always encourage people to shop local every day,” said Jennyfer Crawford, owner of All Things Detroit.
Crawford felt that participating in Small Business Saturday was a step in a positive direction. She noted that community support had stagnated after pandemic restrictions eased.
Alexandra Chevillet, co-owner of Detroit Dye House, emphasized that local shopping can help disconnect from a culture of overconsumption and instant gratification.
“All of the businesses have kind of banded together and tried really hard to promote each other,” Chevillet said. “It's an amazing community to try and develop something in.”
Denisse Lopez, owner of Vamonos!, expressed her gratitude for being part of Small Business Saturday. Her shop, which combines a Zumba studio, coffee shop, and local art gallery, was bustling with customers and performers.
Griselda Cortez, a popup vendor at Vamonos!, felt empowered by displaying her handmade accessories alongside other Hispanic entrepreneurs.
Freddy Alcala, a visitor from Grand Rapids, found inspiration in the diverse performers and vendors and hopes that Detroit's success can inspire other cities across Michigan.
“It feels really good,” said Mara Marquez, a Detroit resident, reflecting on the local business community. “We're coming up.”
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