Shopping in Sterling Heights

Since 1950, the staff at Meldrum Brothers Nursery has stocked landscaping and design materials for both homeowners and contractors. Their bulk stones, mulch, trees, and plants beautify lawns for a more natural look than a yard of bedazzled astroturf. A sampling of their selection—which includes flowers, gifts, Christmas trees, and holiday décor—can be seen in their online photo gallery.

No stone goes unturned at Infinity Jewelry, where quality stems from staffers' meticulous attention to detail and more than 25 years of experience. Twinkling glass cases hold everything from engagement rings to watches and impress savvy shoppers with nametags such as Elle, Rebecca, and Movado. A manufacturing department tinkers with precious metals to ensure custom, well-crafted designs, and an onsite jeweler can offer advice on a setting or a calculated insurance appraisal for patrons who think they've accidently inherited the crown jewels. Patrons can also utilize the shop's repair services to fix an antique trinket, or take advantage of Infinity's purchasing service to get money in exchange for their gold, fine watches, or best auctioneer impression.

Inside a bright, serenely organized shop, long rows of BMX bikes salute riders with glossy frames and titled handlebars capped with colorful grips. Graffiti-style boards pepper the walls with skulls, sharks, and kaleidoscopic scripts, and marine adventuring beckons in the form of stand-up paddleboards and specialty surfboards. A staff of athletes of all stripes and terrain preferences helps guests sail through their wealth of options, special-order from hundreds of thousands of components not currently in stock, and discuss the practicality of converting the local public pool into a vert ramp. Buyers cull much of their men's and women's apparel from the Detroit area, including several hard-to-find brands.

The sunny yellow clapboards of a 135-year-old farmhouse announce the bright wares of the Village Lamp Shop, a family enterprise that has sold and repaired lighting elements since the days of the oil lamp. The Beuthien family sparked their business in the dawn of the 20th century, lighting candles and lamps for the observation of religious rituals. Now in its third generation, the lampsmiths specialize in filling homes with mid-century, retro, and antique fixtures restored to their original brilliance, as well as custom fabrication of everything from base to wavelength. Their handiness manifests in a line of cylinder lamps made on-site with '50s-inspired prints. The family's appreciation for kitsch and wry sense of humor comes to light through the store's mascot, Lou, a stereotypical 1950's partier who displays his spirit by crowning himself in a lampshade and singing Buddy Holly tunes off-key.

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.