Shopping in Benton Harbor

Wedding parties. Families. Graduating seniors. These are just a few of the subjects that attract the lenses of Classic Image Photography's resident artists. After free consultations, photographer Nicole Waldron and videographer Mike Trentacosti capture still and moving images with a combination of photojournalistic, traditional, and artistic styles. They then edit video and transform images into everything from custom storybook albums to metal prints.

When not at the studio, Ms. Waldron and Mr. Trentacosti hone their skills by snapping photos all over the country. In fact, customers can purchase some of Ms. Waldron's favorite images from her travels, such as the back roads of Utah or the spaghetti mountains of Colorado.

The floor-to-ceiling windows that frame Sentiments Bridal & Special Occasion display fashionable formal attire for men and women. Owner Marie Brown stays abreast of the trends, updating the displays regularly so the colors, textiles, and styles suit the season. Brown coordinates dresses for bridal parties, rents tuxes to groomsmen, and designs custom fashions for mothers. Accessories, including hats, shoes, and jewels, complete outfits. Brown's shop also outfits children with miniature garments for special occasions, such as christenings or space-camp graduations.

Since Dr. Stanley Pearle opened the doors to the first Pearle Vision in 1961, the franchise has expanded to more than 800 stores nationwide. In these stores, optometrists assess the ocular health of patients before onsite opticians help them navigate the assortment of frames from brands such as Versace, Ray-Ban, and DKNY. If they're not in the store, clients can utilize the Try-On tool, uploading a photo to see what they or their dog looks like in different types of glasses. Pearle Vision also helps focus the world with contacts from Acuvue and Biofinity.

The idea for jb and me came from a mother and daughter who wanted to create a place where women of any age could go to find clothes they’d like to wear. In 1997, they opened jb and me, and they've been serving ladies of all age brackets ever since. Customers can call ahead to set up a complimentary personal-shopping appointment, or they can walk in to wander the racks filled with brands such as Free People, Splendid, and AG Jeans. On any given visit, they might find a rickrack-printed Leota dress, chunky silver earrings from jb and me's own brand, or a sophisticated pair of black Nicole Nook wedges. To ensure that their customers' homes are as stylish as the people who live and cry in them, the staff also curates home decor such as printed throw pillows and wall art.

Art is both a passion and profession for Michelle Calkins, one of Four Corners Framing Company's experienced artisans. Michelle earned her full certification from the Professional Picture Framing Association after mastering its meticulous techniques for framing pictures, textiles, and memorabilia. The plethora of framing methods and materials—imported from more than 25 vendors—enables any artwork to find its match, be it in a traditional wood frame or a contemporary metal one. Unable to limit her creative talents to the realm of custom framing, Michelle creates vibrant artwork of her own inspired by still lifes, outdoor scenery, and police descriptions.

The staffers at Wet Mitten Surf Shop know their trade. Not only do they keep the shop stocked with an impressive array of boards—proffering standup paddleboards, surfboard, kiteboards, and longboards alike—they also lead lessons to get surfing rookies on their feet. During standup-paddleboarding or kiteboarding lessons, instructors introduce newcomers to Michigan’s surfing scene, or allow them to test the waters themselves with a board rental—the cost of which can be used toward the later purchase of a board.