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.