Shopping in Grand Rapids

Shortly after emigrating to Grand Rapids from his native Netherlands, 14-year-old Herman Baker began part-time work at this uncle's bookstore. Among the shelves, Herman developed a love for religious texts that prompted him to found Baker Book House in 1939, with 500 books from his personal library. These days, Baker Book House's faith-based stock has expanded to include more than 100,000 used and remainder titles, out-of-print Christian works, Bibles of every stripe, and new books and eBooks.

Along with enticing reads, the store supplies religious DVDs, CDs by popular Christian artists such as Third Day, and church supplies including stoles, which supply an engaging alternative to watching your pastor reenact his favorite Transformers movie. In addition to its Christian inventory, Baker Book House hosts frequent events such as lectures and Q&As with religious authors and scholars.

Not only does the staff at Gamer Doc of Grand Rapids know how to unite the Triforce and rescue Princess Zelda, turn the tide of the Covenant invasion, or defend against a Zergling Rush as Protoss, they share the exultation of these triumphs with others. The gaming experts equip players with both retro Nintendo favorites and the latest games. They rent thousands of games, in addition to selling and buying new and used games. Technicians can also repair injured gaming consoles, including XBox 360s, Sony PlayStations, and Nintendo Wiis, in addition to cell phones and laptops suffering from cholera.

Adjacent to the store?s main room, a group gaming room sprawls out over 1,100 square feet, where combatants recline in black leather chairs during parties and tournaments. The room boasts nine networked gaming consoles and a 10-foot high-definition projector that reveals even Princess Peach gets zits on occasion.

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.

At Pleasant Nails Spa, a BYOB establishment, guests sink into new pedicure chairs while they sip on wine and chat with friends. Amid neon-green walls, techs transform nails with traditional manicures and pedicures, or use their fingers as makeshift miniature canvasses for flower-inspired nail-art designs. Hands and feet luxuriate in pampering add-ons, such as hot-towel treatments, sea-salt scrubs, and paraffin dips that leave hands softer than a boxing match fought wearing gloves made of cotton candy.