SHOPPING
SHOPPING ON MACKINAC
Shopping at Little Luxuries
M ackinac has been a hub of business, commerce and trade for centuries. After the War of 1812, fur trap- pers traveled by canoe to the Island to trade their animal pelts for money, food and provisions. The State Park museums illustrate the importance of this early industry and its influence on the growth of America during this time. But as the fur trading business faded in the 1870s, tourism became Mackinac’s primary industry. Island residents who were used to the fur business adapted to the changing environment switching from furs to tour- ism. Native Americans and Island entrepreneurs began selling hand-made souvenirs to this new type of Island visitor. Woven baskets, carved trinkets, pottery and birch bark novelties were typical items sold to Island travelers to remember their Island visit. These were the first souvenirs sold on Mackinac. Ever since, visitors to the Island have wanted souvenirs to take home. Buying a keepsake item, a memento or remind- er of Mackinac is a wonderful idea, but the merchandise has changed quite a bit since those early years. Mackinac’s shops offer high-quality clothing, gifts, games, jewelry, sun- glasses, soaps, knives, hats, wine, books, artwork, shoes, embroidered shirts, sweats and jackets emblazoned with Mackinac Island logos on them. Because there are no chain retail stores on the Island, shopping here means you’ll find numerous family-owned and operated shops and boutiques filled with small town charm. Most of the retailers are in close proximity so you can visit a wide variety of stores and boutiques in a short period of time. You’ll find clothing stores, toy stores, jewelry shops, fine home gifts, souvenir shops and art galleries filled with beautiful works from local artists and artisans.
Whether it’s something you need, something you want, or a gift from Mackinac to bring home to someone you love, you’ll find it at one of the many retail merchants on Mackinac Island.
Inside Mackinac 53
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