Support local business by shopping at the Detroit Eastern Market, one of the oldest farmers' markets in the state. This Motown staple has served as the city’s main open-air market since 1891. Nose through the hundreds of stalls in this six-block area and see what over 250 independent vendors and merchants have for sale.
See all the sights as you travel on the Detroit People Mover, an automated transit system that encircles 2.9 miles downtown. These driverless vehicles run on an elevated light-rail system and are an excellent way to get around the crowded Detroit streets. For only 75 cents, you can quickly get to your next destination or you can just ride the rails and take in the best views of the city!
Music lovers won’t want to miss Hello Records. This fun and funky store runs on some odd hours, from 12-6PM Thursday through Monday and 12-4 on Sunday. Stop by during these times to check out their awesome collection of classic vinyl albums (LPs, 45s and 78s), as well as an eclectic selection of CDs from every musical genre.
Bibliophiles rejoice! John K. King Books in downtown Detroit boasts four above-ground floors and a basement full of rare and used books for the public to peruse and purchase. The largest independent bookseller in the state, this enormous collection (over 1 million books) accounts for most of the store’s business–but true book collectors will want to make an appointment to view the rarer antiques next door.
Located at the bottom floor of Detroit’s most historic retail buildings, Merchants Row is part of the 157-loft apartment on Woodward. This hip and trendy complex features 40,000-square-feet of stores and shops. The former site of the Woolworth Department Store, this building is now the home of Hudson Café, Inside Detroit, Studio Couture and the Woodhouse Day Spa, among others.
Show your support for Motown at Pure Detroit, a multi-faceted company in the Fisher Building Lobby dedicated to all things Motor City-themed. With two other locations in the GM Renaissance Building and the Guardian Building Lobby, this community driven venue not only sells unique merchandise but also uses its influence to amp up the city’s culture and vitality through concert series, book readings, art exhibits and more.