Shopping in Portage

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.

Voted the area’s best women's clothing store by the readers of the Towne Courier in the 2010 People's Choice Awards, Kellie's Consignments houses an ever-changing selection of men's and women's consignment apparel, furniture, and designer shoes and accessories in its expansive 13,500-square-foot showroom. The shop's one-of-a-kind inventory shifts more quickly than a caffeinated racecar, with a fresh selection of vintage items and new merchandise from store liquidators constantly rotated in from consignors as far away as Texas. Handbags and footwear with pedigrees from designers such as Fendi and Roberto Cavalli keep patrons decked out in timeless fashions, and a selection of jewelry lets them further accessorize any outfit.

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.

Hemmed into the East Lansing fashion scene by a mother-daughter team in 2010, Jeanologie Boutique presents a big-city shopping experience inspired by the likes of New York City stores. Inside, the boutique houses the latest trends in women's fashion, including dresses, bags, and a large selection of premium denim. Alongside brand names and popular designers, Jeanologie also uses its rack space to showcase the industry's up-and-coming stars by collaborating with students from Michigan State University's Apparel and Textile program.

The team at Grandville Optical do more than care for eyes—they also care about their community. When owner and certified optician John Schlafley and optometrist Chad Jackson aren’t examining eyes or crafting glasses, they are organizing food drives and serving in local organizations. That same warm spirit fills their optical boutique, where they tend to clients in a welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere. They display their carefully curated selection of designer frames—which includes names such as Marc Jacobs, Kliik, and Europa International—in elegantly spotlighted cases that stand against exposed brick walls.

While the office sports the cozy feel of a traditional coffeehouse, Schlafley and Dr. Jackson stock the environs with decidedly modern technology. They advise patrons of the latest advancements in lens manufacturing and treatments, and perform exams to diagnose potential issues and keep eyes healthy. Schlafley is also trained in a specialized soldering technique that allows him to expertly repair metal frames crushed by excessive squinting.