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 in 2025, the Macomb County Department of Planning and Economic Development (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.
Why Shop Local Macomb is important
“Shop Local Macomb gives us the opportunity to showcase the more than 1,600 independently owned and operated businesses in the county,” says Macomb County Executive Mark Hackel.
This year’s event kicks off on Friday, Nov. 21 and continues until Sunday, Dec. 7, 2025. The initiative is matters for the financial stability of the overall community, leaders say.
“Macomb County Planning & Economic Development is proud to once again launch this campaign and offer our local retailers — and local shoppers — the chance to win big,” adds Vicky Rowinski, Director of the MCPED.
What families could win during Shop Local Macomb
As part of its sponsorship, First State Bank is offering three $350 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 $350 gift card. Entrants must be at least 18 years old. No purchase necessary.
In addition to entering themselves for one of the $350 gift cards, shoppers who share photos of local businesses also automatically enter the business they’re posting about into a grant of up to $5,000.
This year, Shop Local Macomb will announce three business winners, with prizes of $5,000, $3,000 and $2,000. The winners of the gift cards and the business prizes will be announced on Monday, Dec. 8, 2025.
Find some unique gifts during this year’s campaign
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 2021 and has been updated for 2025 by Naomi Kayser.
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.
