Holiday Headquarters At The GMRENCEN Encourages Detroiters To Shop Local

Above: Festive Items From Whimsical Wit

(Disclosure: This post is sponsored by GMRENCEN. All opinions are my own.)

It’s official: The holiday season is in full swing, and although I’m still wondering how we got from August to December so quickly, I’m ready for some Christmas cheer! Last week, the GMRENCEN was kind enough to invite me out to the fourth-annual Holiday Headquarters, a three-week pop-up market in the Renaissance Center that hosts 30 Detroit businesses for a unique holiday shopping experience. Located on level one in Tower 300 (by the AT&T and Verizon kiosks), the Holiday Headquarters pop-up has tripled in size over the past few years and features items that range from handmade art and Detroit apparel to jewelry, desserts, pet merchandise, and more.

What first struck me as I walked into Holiday Headquarters was how welcoming the environment was. In this indoor winter wonderland, your ears will delight in classic Christmas tunes, your eyes will feast on glittering ribbons and candy cane-striped decor, and your heart will warm from conversations with passionate entrepreneurs. The gifts are unique, the vendors are top-notch, and in the center of the store, there’s even a gift wrapping station where a team of friendly helpers will gift wrap your Holiday Headquarters purchases (and purchases made at other stores inside the GMRENCEN) for free! Plus, if your feet are tired from running around all day, there’s even a cozy, little sitting area to rest while you wait for your presents to be wrapped.

Above: The gift wrapping team at work inside the GMRENCEN Holiday Headquarters

Above: Brianna Bridelle Williams, owner of DCreated Boutique, handcrafts organic boho and heirloom-inspired clothing for infants and toddlers. 

Above: Rebel Nell transforms pieces of fallen graffiti into beautiful jewelry, giving new life to Detroit’s history and providing life-changing opportunities for women in need.

Above: Genna Cowsert, owner of The Detroit Card Co., designs colorful, modern items that range from greeting cards and art prints to notebooks and gift wrap.

 

GMRENEN Holiday Headquarters: Place, Time, & Vendor Details

LOCATION: 

Level One in Tower 300 by the AT&T and Verizon kiosks, inside the Renaissance Center in downtown Detroit

 

DATES:

WEEKDAYS between November 26 – December 14, 2018

HOURS:

Monday – Friday 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

(Open late on Thursdays until 6:00 p.m.)

 

Vendor Schedule (Changes Weekly):

Week 1: November 26 – 30, 2018

3DOGS1CAT, DCreated Boutique, Epyon Royal, Germack Coffee Roasting Company, Love Travels. Imports., Made in Detroit, Motor City Popcorn, Purple Love Jewelry & Accessories, The Detroit Card Co., The Mighty Mitten, The Peacock Room, Toni’s Collection, Rebel Nell, Speedcult, Whimsical Wit

Week 2: December 3 – 7, 2018

3DOGS1CAT, Burton & Levy, Germack Coffee Roasting Company, GETTEES, Motor City Brick, Motor City Popcorn, Salika’s Jewels, Shionne Designs, Street Eatzz, The Detroit Card Co., The Mighty Mitten, The Peacock Room, Threads and Legs, Toni’s Collection, Whimsical Wit

Week 3: December 10 – 14, 2018

3DOGS1CAT, Audrey Louise Designs, Bath Savvy Naturals, Bird Bee, Blooms and Baubles, Detroit Respect, Detroit Scroll, Green Olive Soaps, Gus & Grey, Le Detroit Macaron, Spun Sugar Detroit, The Peacock Room, Toni’s Collection, Well Done Goods by Cyberoptix, Whimsical Wit

Bonus: Snag A Photo With Santa—For FREE!

While you’re shopping at Holiday Headquarters, keep your eyes open—you may run into Santa! If you don’t see him at the store, head to the Jefferson Lobby (inside the front entrance of the GMRENCEN on level one), where you can get your photo taken with ol’ Kris Kringle himself (it’s free!) and pick up some fun goody bags for your kids (or, if you prefer, yourself).

Santa at the GMRENCEN

November 23 – December 22, 2018

11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday

Above: Betcha didn’t know Santa drove a red Corvette!

For more information on the GMRENCEN Holiday Headquarters and to see the full schedule, visit the official website here.

 

Are you excited for Holiday Headquarters at the GMRENCEN? Which local businesses do you love supporting throughout the year? Comment below!