Shopping Mecca

A bright new facelift has been given to a number of businesses in Gaylord’s downtown shopping district with facade renovations and colorful new paint jobs giving a fun new flare there. Gaylord has truly developed into Northern Michigan’s shopping hub. Otsego County has been No. 1 in per capita retail spending (money spent divided by number of population) in the state since 2007, eclipsing Grand Traverse County, according to the Otsego County Economic Alliance.

Several stores on Main Street have recently taken advantage of Michigan Economic Development Council grants, which matched private funds for the purpose of updating facades and improving energy efficiency. Businesses taking advantage of this grant in 2011 included Saturn Booksellers, Timothy’s Pub, Venus & Blue Jeans and Downtown Motel, while Main Street Shoes, Ben Franklin, Tools to Teach and Dan Webster’s Golf & Ski Shop improved their facades in 2010.

A number of business have opened recently downtown and elsewhere. Seams Like New, located on Main Street, is a coffee shop and upscale consignment store with a cause. A division of Crossroads Industries, a nonprofit organization that creates jobs and opportunities for people with disabilities, this business not only houses a top-notch coffee bar but also boasts a cool and cozy atmosphere. There is an open microphone on Wednesday nights, along with crafts and items made at Crossroads Industries.

Popular craft store Hobby Lobby has made its entrance in the plaza that already features Big Lots and Dunham’s Sports. The 48,812 square foot craft store is packed with rows and rows of various goods. From art supplies to home decoration to cake baking tools, Hobby Lobby boasts provisions for all activities and hobbies. For those interested in learning a new craft, Hobby Lobby also rents out classrooms.

The Gaylord Meijer store donated $10,000 for the local Toys for Tots program
($5,000 for Otsego County and $5,000 for Crawford County).

T.J. Maxx appeared on the list of clothing retailers in Gaylord, offering name-brand clothing at low prices. With periodic new shipments, the store always shelves fresh clothing items, jewelry and home and other goods. The store is located at a prime location, between Kohl’s and Office Max and across the road from Meijer.

Hipsters looking to score a good deal on some vintage clothing will enjoy the newly expanded Goodwill store, which moved to its new building on Pineview Drive near Lowe’s.

Shopping has always gone hand in hand with eating and the fine shopping opportunities in Gaylord are equal to the area’s dining options. The Bearded Dogg opened with an eclectic lounge atmosphere, offering a unique dining experience to anyone strolling the downtown streets. On the sweet side, Tim Hortons and Coldstone Creamery set up shop on West Main Street. Diana’s Delight’s, a downtown destination, jumped across Main Street and remodeled the old Nelson Drug Store building. Alpine Tavern also will expand in 2012, adding a sports bar to its already popular restaurant.

These join a list of other established boutiques, specialty shops, restaurants and watering holes, all of which have a hand in increasing Otsego County’s standing as a shopping hot spot.

The Gaylord Walmart store annually hosts the Shop with a Cop program for area children.