Shopping in Grand Rapids

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.

Michigan Awesome's collection of tank tops, tees, hoodies, and baby onesies burst at the seams with civic pride for the Great Lakes State. The company's apparel comes emblazoned with clever geographical slogans “Smitten with the Mitten” and “Home Is Where The Hand Is.” Their shirts also give shout-outs to cities such as Flint, Grand Rapids, and Detroit, and proudly state “4 out of 5 Great Lakes Prefer Michigan.” Made from durable American Apparel cotton shirt material and screen-printed in the state itself, the tops combine striking colors and cleverness to leave regional rivals green with envy. Michigan Awesome also helps drivers rep their state while on the road, slapping many of their most popular slogans on eye-catching stickers.

What began in 1984 as a home business with a single phone has grown into a go-to source for women's apparel with retail stores across the country. Headquartered in Sandpoint, Idaho, Coldwater Creek curates a varied selection of elegant but comfortable clothing, ensuring closets stay stocked with more than just the relatives who only get pulled out around the holidays. You'll find everything from sweaters and jackets to jeans and dresses, as well as jewelry, handbags, and other extras for accessorizing new outfits. And if you can't make it to one of Coldwater Creek's physical locations, just head to the website to find the perfect cardigan, cashmere sweater, or pencil skirt.

As conveyed through its name, Nomad Anglers stocks gear, equipment, and apparel for outdoors adventures both near and far. With a history that stretches back to 1989, the business has prepared anglers for all types of trips, and today, features such major brands as Orvis, Patagonia, and Simms. In addition to its wealth of products, Nomad also helps customers reel in education with fly-fishing classes, free seminars, and local fishing reports.

When it relocated in 2011 to Grand Rapids from Grand Haven, its home of more than 25 years, Gallery of Frames brought with it a huge selection of conservation materials. Its team of framers encloses artworks and heirlooms with custom-cut combinations of moulding, mat, and glass. Examples of these skillfully designed frames can be found surrounding pictures of athletes at local Brann's locations, or actual athletes if they’ll just sit still for a minute.

Since 1908, the Huizenga family has tended to the same parcel of land that is now Huizenga Brothers Greenhouses and Garden Center. There, fifth-generation family members work alongside the staff in the greenhouses, where annuals or perennials for planting in pots or flower beds are doted upon.