Downtown Shopping in Muskegon
When I was once a little girl, going downtown was like exploring the big city! But that was almost 60 years ago, so a lot has changed since then…including more shopping in downtown Muskegon!
Over time, Western Avenue eventually became a new and vibrant space, with construction of new buildings and restoration of buildings like the Century Club. Local organizations such as the Muskegon Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce, the City of Muskegon, and Muskegon Downtown Now put forth a joint effort to bring the city back to life.
According to Emily Morgenstern, the Director of Marketing and Advocacy for Muskegon Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce, “Downtown Muskegon offers a fun and walkable shopping experience to get you that special and unique gift. There are three main shopping areas in downtown Muskegon–Western Avenue, Midtown (Third Street), and the Pine Street Corridor.”
So, what are you waiting for? Let’s explore some of these great shopping areas, together!
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Western Avenue:
Vintage Redefined
At Vintage Redefined, you’ll find a mother-daughter duo who love to repurpose, paint, and decorate themselves and the world around them. Together, they dreamed up this unique storefront to curate their creative endeavors! Through both a brick-and-mortar shop on Western Avenue in downtown Muskegon and their presence, you’ll find select items from their lifestyle lines of clothing, candles, jewelry, and accessories.
Their website boasts of their “penchant for junkin” and declares that if it’s rusty, shabby, and chippy—they want it! They love finding the potential in all the things other people gave up on, and they especially love to turn them into something people want again. Vintage items hold such amazing stories and true ‘junkers’ find themselves“redefining” their histories and giving them a second (or third!) life!
Midtown (Third Street):
Spend some time in the quirky and unique shops in Midtown. Stop at Third Coast Vinyl for a great collection of records, and The Griffin’s Rest where you can buy any board game imaginable. Don’t forget to stop into Hamburger Mikey for an award-winning lunch and The Only Cannoli to get a decadent sweet treat. Wander a little to find cool shops in the vicinity!
Harris & Willow
Nearby, at 930 Second Street, Harris & Willow is owned by Ashley Cooper. The store carries a variety of items, including clothing, accessories, gifts, and, most recently, baby items! Sizes range from small through 3X and they feature everything from casual and cozy to date-night chic.
“We search high and low to bring quality, yet affordable, gifts that you won’t find on Amazon or in big box stores,” said Cooper. In fact, all jewelry and most of their gifts are sourced from small businesses, many of which are made in Michigan!
In 2019, Cooper opened Harris & Willow in one of the Western Market Chalets. Six months later they moved to the current location around the corner, and three weeks after opening there, the pandemic shut them down.
“To survive, we began making curated surprise boxes. And we still have them today!” explained Cooper. “In the beginning, they were a way to connect friends who couldn’t see each other. But it has grown into so much more: encouraging someone after a loss, celebrating someone who just got a promotion at work, or simply surprising your best friend on a random Tuesday. We’ve sent boxes to cancer treatment centers, college dorm rooms, and even hand delivered to a few schools and offices in town. My hope is to be a place that’s a little more than a clothing shop. I want to be a place that cultivates community. And I want people to leave a little happier than when they arrived! “
Pine Street:
Cheese Lady
Pine Street offers a variety of eclectic vintage shops that offer one-of-a-kind gifts for you or someone special. In the same corridor is the Cheese Lady, which offers gourmet cheeses, olive oils and foods from across the world.
Two shops on Pine Street are the newest additions- both unique and worth a visit.
Polka Dot Paisley
Polka Dot Paisley, is a modern women’s clothing boutique featuring apparel and accessories as well as a carefully curated selection of home goods. Created in 2020 by the mother and daughter duo, Becky Usiak and Katie Hillman, this one-of-a-kind-shop had the goal of embracing variety in fashion and the continually evolving style needs of their customers. Serving all women who love looking great —no matter if your style is classic, modern, or eclectic —Polka Dot Paisley’s incredible line-up offers something for every woman!
Brass Moon Vintage
Brass Moon Vintage on 758 Pine Street held their opening debut this year! Owners Ryan and Jenni Schuitema grew up in the Muskegon area and decided it was about time to bring their 2000 square foot clothing boutique to life!
With everything ranging from the 50s to the 1990s, Brass Moon Vintage isn’t shy about making a bold impresson.
“Together we’ve developed a unique style, I’m more of the risk taker when it comes to art and furniture while Jenni is a pro at mixing eras and styles to create a cohesive but original look,” shares co-owner Ryan Schuitema. “We specialize in statement pieces when it comes to furniture and lighting and we have a sweet spot for vintage clothing.”
Added to their eclectic taste, Brass Moon Vintage also features several up-and-coming vendors that have a keen eye for local vintage who regularly debut new items that are sure to catch your eye.
Farmer’s Markets:
Muskegon is a great place to visit, regardless of the season. At 242 Western Avenuethe Farmers Market is one place to put at the top of your list,with over 10,000 visitors on a busy weekend.
In winter, the Farmers Market does move indoors on Saturdays and most shops are open at least until Christmas, but it’s best to check their website to see hours and days that they’re open.
Also,Western Market has 17 individualshops owned by local vendors and open late May until mid-December. Each season brings specialty shops and merchandise that isn’t found anywhere else.
Afterward, a trip around the corner to Drip Drop Drink for their wonderful coffee , a stop next door to Harris and Willow, then step into the Century Club for more shopping, before walking down to Vintage Redefined.The possibilities are endless in downtown Muskegon- you are sure to find something to take home.
If you get hungry or thirsty, there are plenty of restaurants and pubs within downtown Muskegon’s new social district. Grab a social district drink from one of the bars and restaurants and enjoy an adult beverage as you shop. You will be back for more Muskegon shopping in the future, with your friends and family.
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Carmelitta Tiffany
“Carmelitta Tiffany is a semi-retired journalist living a quiet life in rural West Michigan. She’s an avid gardener, voracious reader, and enjoys spending lots of time with her dog, MissDottie, and her grandson Henry. She serves those needing “wordy” advice through her business, West MI Editorial Services.
