Best Small Business Saturday Shopping In Detroit

SocraTea Detroit opened on Noel Night 2012, with the mission of "serv(ing) exceptional tea at fair prices in an inviting environment." Its location is close to Midtown and the WSU campus, and all of its teas are USDA-certified organic and fair trade. SocraTea also has non-dairy milk, for those who need or prefer it, and gluten-free desserts. The shop sells jewelry, paintings/ceramic items, clothing and food items from local artists and hosts art openings; the tea house enjoys being a "show space for art."

The Detroit Artists Market was founded in 1932, and it promotes, exhibits and sells the "work of emerging and established artists." The market has educational programming and art exhibitions, and also serves as a resource for art lovers. Check out DAM's Elements Gallery to find work by local artists in a range of media and prices. The market also hosts special events. Parking is available for $3 off Forest, but free on-street parking is also available.

The Black Dress Co. opened in 2008 and focuses on women who like a classic look, but with a "taste of trend." It's open 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Mondays through Saturdays, and is closed on Sundays. The store includes private label, manufactured, couture and haute couture in its collection. Their clothing is also available in most women's sizes (size 0 to size 4X). You can commission a custom piece as well, but that's by appointment only, with a 2-3 week lead time. Make sure to check out the sale rack when you go as well.

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Westborn Market has three locations: one in Dearborn, as well as Livonia and Berkley. The market is known as a local Whole Foods-type store. It's known for its fruit market, flower shop and various other departments. It was originally opened half a century ago by George and Annette Anusbigian as a simple flower stand. The market primarily sells produce, meats and bakery/cake items, but it also carries an assortment of other items as well.

There are a few Asian bakeries in the Madison Heights and Warren area, but Tai Pan stands out as one of the best. Most of the smaller bakery items are inexpensive, $1 and up, and you can find yourself a smorgasboard of good eats here. Try the lotus bun or perhaps a sweet cream bun; if you're looking more for meal items, try the barbecue pork bun or the hot dog bun (hot dog in a sweet roll). Tai Pan also has bubble tea for sale and cakes for order. The bakery is cash-only, so make sure to bring some cash with you when you visit.

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