On behalf of our local businesses, I have a favor to ask. Please make a special effort to be a customer of them in the winter and early spring, when Michigan weather ranges from freezing to damp. Christmas is an excellent boost for businesses but it does not mean it will carry them through the slower months of January through April.

While many are recouping from their Christmas purchases, there is still some spending that will be happening, and we hope you consider keeping it local. When you buy locally, those funds go back into supporting the owners and their staff. Many of these businesses also donate gift cards to local fundraisers and sponsor our events.

What I suggest is to take up the Plymouth Shopping and Dining Winter Challenge. Here are some ways you can make a difference in your community by supporting small local businesses. It will take some planning but you can make it into a winter adventure.

• In the next four months, set a goal to visit the stores you have never walked in before.

• Make plans with friends or neighbors for a night out each month at a different restaurant in Plymouth.

• When you don’t feel like cooking or going out, order takeout from local restaurants.

• Don’t narrow your choices to just Downtown Plymouth but try stores and restaurants in other parts of Plymouth and Plymouth Township.

• Go to at least one movie at the Penn Theatre.

• Take $10 and visit the candy shops and bakeries to see how much you can purchase – then try it again, and don’t buy anything you purchased before.

• Donate to the Plymouth Corps of the Salvation Army, the Plymouth Community United Way, or any local organization that helps those in need. It has been a tough fundraising year for the Salvation Army and the United Way, who are reporting higher demand than in the past. The winter is even more challenging for many of these people with higher utility bills.

• Go to one of our cultural institutions or performing arts groups.

• Pamper yourself or try a health treatment at one of our many service providers in the community.

To find lists of local businesses in Plymouth and Plymouth Township, you can go to the Chamber website at plymouthmich.org and click on the find a business tab. It can be searched by type of business.

While there are bright spots for businesses in the cold months, like the Ice Festival from January 30–February 2 and St. Patrick’s Day, they need your continued support.

Thank you to everyone who takes up the Plymouth Shopping and Dining Winter Challenge.


Wes Graff is president of the Plymouth Community Chamber of Commerce. He welcomes your comments at wes@plymouthmich.org. Follow the Chamber on Instagram and Facebook, or visit their website at www.plymouthmich.org.