With the holiday season comes the search for holiday gifts for everyone in the family — from kids to grandparents and even the family dog. While it’s easy to click a few buttons and purchase everything online, there’s nothing like the experience of browsing a local shop for unique finds. And Shop Local Macomb has you covered.
To encourage families to support local independent stores in its 27 communities, the Macomb County Department of Planning and Economic Development, or MCPED, has launched its seventh annual Shop Local Macomb event — sponsored by First State Bank, Connect Macomb, the Macomb County Chamber of Commerce, the Eastpointe-Roseville Chamber of Commerce, the Northern Macomb Regional Chamber and the Anchor Bay Chamber of Commerce.
“Shop Local Macomb gives us the opportunity to showcase the more than 1,600 independently owned and operated businesses in the County,” said Executive Mark Hackel.
It kicks off on Friday, November 24 and continues until Sunday, Dec. 3, 2023. The initiative is an important one when it comes to the financial stability of the overall community.
“Macomb County Planning and Economic Development is proud to once again launch this campaign and offer our local retailers, and local shoppers, the chance to win big,” said MCPED Director Vicky Rowinski.
As part of its sponsorship, First State Bank is offering 10 $150 gift cards to lucky shoppers who support local stores. To enter follow these three simple steps:
- Snap a photo of yourself shopping locally.
- Submit your entry on the Make Macomb Your Home website — be sure to mention the local retailer’s name.
- Share on social using the #ShopLocalMacomb.
Note: Participants are only allowed one entry per store and are only allowed to win one $150 gift card. Entrants must be at least 18 years old. No purchase necessary.
In addition to entering themselves for one of the $150 gift cards, shoppers who share photos of local businesses also automatically enter the business they’re posting about into a $1,000 grant.
The winners of the gift cards and the $1,000 business prize will be announced on Monday, Dec. 4, 2023.
So, this holiday season, instead of shopping at a big box store, try helping out the families in the community.
“We’re fortunate to have this incredible community of retailers and during the holiday season, we need to show them our support,” says Hackel. “I know I’ll be purchasing some of my gifts at local small businesses this year, and I hope you’ll join me in this effort.”
This post was originally published in 2019 and is updated annually.
For more information on the Shop Local Campaign, visit the Shop Local Macomb website or, to get additional details about Macomb County, visit Make Macomb Your Home. Find more articles like this at Metro Parent’s A Family Guide to Macomb County.
