Thanksgiving is past, and the time for Christmas shopping has officially begun. Shoppers looking for unique items and personal service don’t have to look far ? downtown Clarkston has what they need.
‘I try to stock items that are more unique, things you won’t find at the mall,? said Ann Stevenson, owner of the Union General store.
One item that would make a good stocking stuffer is the ‘surprise ball,? a traditional European gift that looks like a toy. The receiver unwinds the toy to find more toys and charms inside.
‘Things like that are ageless,? she said.
The Main Streets business owners are often the first person shoppers meet. Being in contact with customers gives the small-shop owners the opportunity to be more responsive to their needs and tastes.
‘We have great customer service ? that sets us apart,? said Susan Andre, owner of the Parsonage on East Church Street just off Main. ‘We find what people want and do what they ask of us ? we make sure they’re happy.?
Village Apparel & Gifts on Main Street offers Clarkston team sweatshirts and other apparel, and one-on-one service, said Christina Calka.
‘We help customers select an outfit,? Calka said.
Shops along Main Street also offer new ideas for gifts. Free of any corporate directives, owners look for items that are offbeat but practical, things that appeal to them personally, said Penny Shanks, executive director of the Clarkston Area Chamber of Commerce.
‘You’ll find some really cool stuff,? Shanks said.
‘I try to offer things that are not just decorative, but also have a useful application,? Stevenson said.
‘We have some really unique things,? Calka said.
They also offer a venue for local producers to sell their wares. The Parsonage offers honey made in Ortonville, and Village Apparel & Gifts sells jewelry made in Brighton.
‘I like the idea of parking the car and shopping down Main Street on foot, the old-fashioned way,? Stevenson said. ‘You can discover wonderful things right here.?