Holiday Shopping

The holiday shopping season is well underway. For many small business owners and retailers, the month of December can determine whether they finish the year in the black. That’s where the notion of “Think Local First” can make a difference. How will it turn out in Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti this year? WEMU's David Fair and A2Y Regional Chamber Executive Vice President Andy LaBarre find out in their talk with Ypsilanti DDA director Elize Jekabson and Ashley Schafer, the Executive Director of Main Street Ann Arbor.

Over 10,000 people are expected to explore numerous closed-off streets in downtown Ann Arbor tonight as part of "Midnight Madness". WEMU’s Ana Longoria has the details.

We are well into the holiday shopping season now. Analysts predict there will be more spending this year than last, despite all of the economic uncertainty around the country and here at home. There are ways to cut down on spending and to help the environment at the same time. WEMU's David Fair talked with Samuel McMullen from Ann Arbor-based Zerowaste.org about sustainable gift giving on a pre-holiday edition of "Issues of the Environment".

Tomorrow is Small Business Saturday when, across the country, an emphasis is made to promote local businesses. Milan holds its annual "Pop on Main" event beginning in the morning. WEMU’s Kevin Meerschaert reports.

The financial forecast for the start of the holiday season among businesses along Ann Arbor’s Main Street is looking to be in the black for Black Friday. WEMU’s Ana Longoria reports.

Ann Arbor’s Main Street Area Association says this recent holiday season helped many businesses end 2024 as their most successful year since the pandemic. WEMU’s Ana Longoria has the story.

Black Friday and Cyber Monday this year set a record for sales. As we approach the holiday season, WEMU's David Fair talked with Daniel Grenzicki from the group “Buy No Things Ann Arbor," whose goals go beyond protecting the environment. They explored some of the potential environmental and societal benefits of reducing consumerism on "Issues of the Environment."

Main Street in Downtown Ann Arbor is gearing up for Black Friday with hopes of bringing in people to shop locally this holiday season. WEMU’s Ana Longoria has the details.

Rising inflation and interest rate hikes are expected to take a toll on holiday shopping in Washtenaw County and across the country. But that doesn’t mean people are spending any less. WEMU’s Cathy Shafran explains.

The holiday season is upon us, and, for many, that means, among other things...time to shop. WEMU's Lisa Barry talks with Jun Li, an associate professor…