The Dexter Leader
A Heritage Newspaper
Weekly Publication
HOMETOWN APPEAL
Why leave? Chelsea has plenty to offer local shoppers
By Crystal Hayduk and Jessica Tchoryk, Special Writers
PUBLISHED: December 4, 2008
The holidays have officially arrived. And while the bright lights, decorations and caroling may warm the hearts of many, the thought of shopping and big crowds and spending too much money leave many out in the cold.
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But shopping does not have to deplete your spirit — or your wallet. Forget the malls where you park a mile away. Forget the long lines, and forget the lack of personal attention. Chelsea businesses may have just what you need to satisfy your wish list and budget. There are special gifts and unique ideas right here in Chelsea - all the while helping the local economy.
The following are just a few of the many ideas and places to shop or obtain services in town. Chelsea businesses are a good place to start your shopping, and who knows, you may just find everything you need without ever leaving the city limits.
Friendly employees greet customers at The Village Shoppe, located at 104 N. Main Street. The cozy atmosphere is enhanced by soft music and scented candles. According to owner Marge Faist, The Village Shoppe began as strictly a country store, but has adjusted to fit customers' needs. The Village Shoppe is a "variety store" containing almost everything imaginable in a variety of price ranges from gift and household items, clothing, and greeting cards.
Garden Mill sells year-round gardening merchandise for nature enthusiasts, birders, gardeners and home decorators. Owner Trinh Pifer is knowledgeable and helpful to customers seeking holiday gifts for loved ones, or to offer any advice. She even has a readily available "Top 10 Holiday Gift Ideas" list. Shopping at the Garden Mill on 110 S. Main Street helps the local economy in more ways than one. Ornaments and other artful items designed by local artists from Chelsea, Manchester, and Ann Arbor are sold at Garden Mill.
The Mission Marketplace at 117 S. Main Street is a unique store that supports and promotes fair trade, meaning the growers or artists receive a fair price for their goods. According to employee Marilyn Jachalke, a customer once said, "Buying a gift here is like giving it twice." Like many of the stores located in Chelsea, the Mission Marketplace sells a large assortment of goods. "Everything has a story," Jachalke said. The jewelry and scarves have been the biggest sellers so far this year. Scarves from Ecuador are about $20, and alpaca wool scarves are $30 to $35. Similar scarves sell in Ann Arbor for well over that - up to $100. Executive Director Kevin Frahm even offers a free origami peace crane to customers.
La Jolla Fine Jewelry, 111 S. Main Street, owned by Gloria Miller and son Curtis Miller, offers beautiful jewelry to satisfy the tastes of anyone on your list this year. La Jolla is a custom studio that caters specifically to each customer. The friendly owners are eager to help with unique and custom pieces, 14 and 18 carat gold, sterling silver, colored stones and diamonds, opals, and Tahitian pearls.
Located across the street at 108 S. Main Street, Winans Jewelry is another option for fine jewelry, sterling silver, and pearls. They also carry clocks and watches. Fourth generation jewelers have been serving Chelsea since 1898.
Chelsea Teddy Bear Company at 400 N. Main sells interesting and unique teddy bears and other stuffed animals that can be customized to suit individual preferences. The store is boasting about two of their bears that are 100% manufactured in the USA. "Pancake" ($12.95) is a basic ten inch bear that kids are raving about. "Conner" ($59.95) is fully jointed and individually hand-assembled right at the store. To compare, Toys R Us does not carry fully jointed bears; however, a very limited supply of Gund brand jointed bears is available at the Toy House in Jackson for $30-$35.
Jan Loveland, proprietor of Cranesbill Books at 108 E. Middle Street, reports that everything in the store will be 25 percent off throughout the season. She said, "We want to be competitive with the big chains...." To assist her customers with their book buying needs, Loveland offers the option of special orders. She is especially excited about her new on-line store where people can shop from the comfort of their homes 24/7 at www.cranesbillbooks.com. Items can be delivered to the store or to homes. Holiday shopping hours will be expanded to 10 AM to 8 PM Monday through Saturday; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sundays.
Chelsea has two florists downtown, as well as others in the surrounding area. Chelsea Village Flowers, 112 E. Middle Street, owned by Jennifer Ellison, offers poinsettias and Christmas cacti, centerpieces, and wreaths for the holiday season. They are "the freshest you'll find," Ellison said.
Gigi's Flowers and Gifts is at 103 N. Main St. This shop belongs to the Teleflora family, and is highlighting several centerpieces for the Christmas season, including the Thomas Kinkade's Childhood Home Bouquet for $62.95. The ceramic house that makes up part of the arrangement is battery operated to light up. People with a more creative bent can also purchase flowers and arrange them at home for a significant cost savings.
Whether you need a break from downtown shopping or you're looking for that special hostess, business, or thank you gift, stop in at the Gourmet Chocolate CafÈ at 312 N. Main Street. Chocolates can be individually selected, or purchased boxed or as a custom tray. Most of their gourmet confections are a relative bargain at $15.99 a pound (the Chocolate House in Ann Arbor sells comparable chocolates for $19.99 a pound). "We also have baklava available year round - that's something unique to this area," said co-owner Tina Diab.
Chelsea Market, located at 125 S. Main Street, is your one-stop shop for wines, produce, baked goods, specialty meats, etc. Chelsea Market offers over 400 types of wines, as well as pre-packaged gift baskets to suit the various tastes of friends and family.
For those shoppers who can't resist a practical gift, think hardware stores. Chelsea Village Hardware at 110 N. Main and ACO Hardware at 1103 S. Main will both suffice in terms of friendly service and great sales. Besides tools, chain saws, snowthrowers, and other manly articles, they also carry housewares, humidifiers, space heaters, and bird feeding supplies. You can also find many useful, inexpensive stocking stuffers.
It won't be long until television broadcasters go digital, so maybe it's time for the family gift. Heydlauff's at 113 N. Main has a selection of name brand high definition televisions that start at $299 for a 19 inch set. In the appliance business, prices can change quickly. A few of their offerings were on sale right now, but the salesman could not predict what items might be on sale next week. Best Buy in Ann Arbor reported that most of their 19 inch televisions were $350 and up, although this week's sale (11/26) was a Dynox brand for $250.
Pamida at 1040 S. Main Street has re-opened after last spring's fire. Jamie Packard, shift team leader, said, "People realize since we were closed how many things we sell that they had to go to Ann Arbor for." The store will offer varied extended hours throughout the month of December. Sale advertisements will come in the mail, and customers will find unadvertised in-store specials as well. "We sell just about everything. People come to us for toys, party supplies, paper products - and last year air mattresses were a big seller for people who were accommodating overnight guests," Packard said.
Most people find great enjoyment in giving a gift to their pets on Christmas. Wags to Wiskers, 1171 S. Main Street, carries supplies, treats, and toys for furry, feathered, or scaly pets. Cat toys start at $1; bird and dog toys start at $2. Employee Frank Immekus was knowledgeable about the many unique toys the store has available; as well as helpful in suggesting a myriad of possible pet gifts, from grooming supplies to comfy beds.
Gift givers need not limit themselves to retail establishments in Chelsea, either. Gift certificates are available at the Chelsea Community Hospital Health and Wellness Center located at 14800 East Old US 12. One does not need to be a member to utilize gift certificates at the center, which are available for such services as therapeutic massage, personal training, and Pilates. The "Pilates Healthy Spine Program" meets twice weekly for six weeks and costs $160. This price is likely to be more than one would spend for a gift to open, but consider the possibility of adult siblings sharing the cost to send mom or dad to the class. The return in quality of life and health on the investment is better than anything you'll get in the stock market.
For the woman who does everything for everyone, but never for herself, give the gift of personal pampering. Gemini Salon and Day Spa at 1020 S. Main Street offers services such as manicures, pedicures, facials, and massages. For the month of December, Gemini is promoting a gift card along with a small gift, so the recipient has something to open on Christmas. Owner Theresa Broderick said they especially try to cater to the mom with young kids. "She's the person who goes without when the economy gets bad," Broderick said.
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