Bedford Falls is a fictional place that only exists in "It's a Wonderful Life," but Grosse Pointe comes close, especially in November and December when Kercheval Avenue is fully decked out for the holidays.
Main Street Grosse Pointe, the association dedicated to maintaining the historical integrity of our downtown district, makes the annual transformation possible. The group is responsible for beloved traditions such as Paint the Town each spring, planting beautiful flower beds, the annual Sidewalk Sale, Music on the Plaza, and more.
According to Main Street Grosse Pointe Board Member Susie Bohrer, the goal is to ensure the Village continues to be a great place for everyone to gather, shop, and enjoy! Susie is one of 10 Board members who meet monthly (in addition to various committee meetings) to maintain the Kercheval shopping district so it feels current and meets residents' needs while maintaining its historic charm.
Susie brings a unique perspective to achieving that balance. She is co-owner with her mother, Susan Stefani, of Susie At Home. Susan Stefani established the iconic Grosse Pointe home decor store 11 years ago on the foundation of a successful jewelry business on Fisher Road. Grandmother Angie still comes in every day.
"We care about our community and each person who comes into the shop," says Susie. "The three of us divided our talents to run Susie At Home to compete in today's retail environment while curating a unique collection of items to serve this community. It is a really beautiful relationship that is unique to small businesses."
Grosse Pointers have been supportive since day one, when Susie's mom brought the same warmth and flair to the retail space she uses when styling her home. There is even a fireplace and wet bar for coffee. "We wanted it to be not only a store but an experience," Susie explains.
Shoppers who visit Susie At Home have the advantage of expert advice. "You will find things you can mix or do something different with what you already have," Susie points out. "Many women come in with dishes they inherited from their grandmother, for example. We can pair it with a new napkin ring or element, and they leave very excited to use their items.
"We have a love affair with antique or vintage."
Anne Murphy, who founded Apple Blossom Baby and Decor with Lisa Chalker in 2018, also aims to provide shoppers with a unique experience. "Lisa is an amazing artist," Anne says, whose artistic vision and flair have contributed to the space's look and feel and the selection of one-of-a-kind items for sale. They moved to Kercheval in the Village from their first location in Grosse Pointe Woods about five years ago.
"I love being here. It's the best," Anne says. She sees a lot of neighbors and clients served by her realty business. "It's nice to see friends, and really great to have them stop in."
"I can do all my Christmas shopping right here," Anne points out. "Shopping locally is vital to keeping our economy strong, and that, in turn, keeps our community strong and vibrant."
Anne gives back by serving as Vice President on the board of Main Street Grosse Pointe. "We put on events all year round," she points out. "We've been trying to communicate to people in the community that if we don't shop downtown, Main Street Grosse Pointe can't support you."
"Our local Village stores don't have higher prices than the internet. Our association works hard to ensure the Village of Grosse Pointe remains vibrant. People assume the City pays for everything, but we all work together. Anything that is organized and put on here in the Kercheval shopping district is pretty much put on by (Main Street Grosse Pointe)."
According to Anne, a lot takes place behind the scenes. "We have to raise money. We have to ask for volunteers. There are a lot of things we do for the community." Anne adds that getting involved is easy, and everyone is welcome! Main Street Grosse Pointe is always looking for fresh ideas, donations, and volunteers.
Kercheval Avenue's hometown feel drew Ann and Matt Turnbull back home to Grosse Pointe from Chicago. The husband-and-wife team owns Village Palm and Newport, two clothing staples that employ 10. The Turnbulls purchased Village Palm in 2019. The pandemic was tough for businesses, but the Turnbulls remain committed to their community. They place a high value on supporting each other and their fellow Grosse Pointe businesses.
"Many of our labels are manufactured in the US," Matt points out. We can't buy American all the time, but we try. " The Turnbulls employ 10 staff who are focused on getting to know their customers.
"Because of that," Ann says. "We can really help. Our clients can call and let us know what they need. We can line up options to make it easy and convenient for them to shop." She points out that there is no substitute for shopping at a brick-and-mortar store like Village Palm or Newport when purchasing clothing and gift items.
"It's a totally different experience than shopping online," Ann adds. "That might be okay for ordering household items, but coming into a store, getting that personal advice and attention, and leaving with something beautifully wrapped is no comparison."
"We try to provide an experience where you are not a shopper but a friend, where everyone feels welcome," husband Matt points out. "Shopping locally is a very important part of that.
"The holiday season is a tradition that we certainly want to maintain," he adds. Village Palm and Newport support the family-friendly events that take place along Kercheval, including the annual Santa Parade.
An emphasis on the personal touch is also a priority at Small Favors, which has been operating for nearly 20 years and has been in its current location for eight years. Betsy Enders, co-owner with Kasey Malley, says, "We love being part of the community. We are thrilled to be able to be here and help Grosse Pointers with their gift-giving needs. Everything leaves here wrapped, so it has that perfect touch. At Christmas time especially, the hustle and bustle of a store full of happy shoppers is such a joy to be part of."
There is an even bigger reason to shop locally. "When there is a thriving downtown area, it drives up our home values," Susie Bohrer points out. "We are creating a value for the community, which in turn helps all our residents. Many customers will come in, shop in neighboring stores, and then dine out. Shopping and dining in our Village means the money stays in our community."
Main Street Grosse Pointe, phone: 313.886.7474, email: villagedda@grossepointecity.org, website: villagegrossepointe.org.
Main Street Grosse Pointe Village shops are open late on the third Thursday of every month, with additional extended hours daily in December.
"We've been trying to communicate to people in the community that if we don't shop downtown, Main Street Grosse Pointe can't support you."
"When there is a thriving downtown area, it drives up our home values."