Shopping in Sterling Heights

Every year at Ann Arbor Fest, Catching Fireflies founders Steve and April paused from manning their paper-arts booth to admire the folksy paintings of local artist Chris Roberts-Antieau. When they finally saved up enough to purchase their favorite piece, “Catching Fireflies,” it led to a flash of inspiration: a shop dedicated to showcasing similarly whimsical artwork and supporting local artists.

Now, Catching Fireflies’ inventory spans the spectrum, from leather-bound journals and wall art to children’s toys, and has been lauded in Rochester-Rochester Hills Patch. Once customers have honed in on wares, staff can gift-wrap them free of charge, thereby eliminating the need to conceal them behind Groucho glasses.

Lynn, Patricia, and Martina each discovered a love for design and creativity at a young age, and this passion ultimately brought them together to work at a crafting studio until 2006, when the owner of the studio retired after more than 20 years in business. Not wanting to say goodbye to each other or their customers, the three friends decided to purchase the business, and Crafty Lady Trio was born, creating a place for customers to knit, stitch, and socialize.

When asked what sets the company apart, Lynn Cusumano cites its specialization. "I think we have the largest selection,” she adds, “and largest number of experienced teachers." These resources shine through during classes, which, instead of adhering to specific lesson plans, cater to each student's skill set. Pupils purchase kits and patterns ahead of time from Crafty Lady Trio's store, and then help them blossom into colorful projects such as scarves and shawls with an expert’s guidance. The trio also leads longer crafting retreats and a weekly club for more advanced projects.

Courses take place within a 3,600-square-foot studio space that holds five teaching tables. For the trio and their students, this isn't just a place to work. It becomes a haven for making friends and sharing a passion for needlework.:m]]

The eyewear experts at Blink flatter faces with a collection of frames from designers such as Prada, Valentino, Nine West, and David Yurman. As clients browse, staff members remain on hand, eager to expound on the subtle differences in lens materials or coatings. They also help clients browse both classic and avant-garde outlines, as well as a colorful array of Ray-Bans primed for future trips to the beach or the lighting department of the local hardware store.

Ed Jenuwine began selling cigars in 1947, and his brothers John, Jim, and Lee joined him shortly thereafter. In the years between 1947 and 1988, they moved their shop to three different locations, all within two blocks of the house they grew up in. Today, the cigar empire they built operates out of locations in Troy and Sterling Heights, both of which feature humidors larger than 2,000 square feet and are stocked with thousands of different brands of cigars. Both boast comfortable smoking lounges with large televisions and WiFi access to give puffers a peaceful place in which to blow smoke rings, relax, or summon the ghost of Groucho Marx. The Sterling Heights location also sees bartenders pouring 78 types of scotch and other libations and hosts live music on Thursday and Friday nights.

Look + See's eyewear studio is as swanky as any art gallery, with pale-green walls lined with mirrors and sculpture-esq wooden shelves displaying glasses. Their stock of fashionable frames from around the world was smelted in the factories of top designers. Frames from OGI run between $100-$269, Vera Wang rims cost $150-$280, and Gotti’s chic eyeball offsetters are $315-$558.

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