Small town Berkley offers big-time shopping

BERKLEY, Mich. (WJBK) - Berkley is only two square miles in size, but don't let its small size fool you. It has a lot to offer in the shopping department. And, the best part -- parking's free.

At Our Greentopia, owner Katie Reiter says she's got just what you need to make your day brighter, and greener.

"We're just like a general store, but green!" she says.

Speaking of going green, there's a different kind of "green" merry-making happening at the Twisted Shamrock. Everything in this boutique celebrates Irish culture.

"Jewelry is big for us, the claddagh. Claddaugh rings; claddaugh necklaces or earrings; trinity knots," says owner Jim Monahan.

The Twisted Shamrock is in its 13th year of business and moved to Berkley two and a half years ago from Ferndale. One of the big reasons was, again, that free parking and Berkley's small business comeback.

Me-2-U boutique owner Alanda Moss runs her shop with her husband, Calvin. They offer several selections in ladies fashion.

"[We're] trying to service the real size woman," Alanda says. "You dont have to do the runway."

The shop Peninsulas has great Michigan-themed home goods and apparel. While this store-front may be fairly new in Berkley, propietor Robert Jameson says his product has been around for a while.

"What makes us different is we design almost all the products ourselves. We have a lof of influences from vintage Michigan, vintage Up North," says owner Robert Jameson.

Just next door is a Berkley mainstay, Catching fireflies. It's a whimsical gift shop that carries something for everyone from heart-touching baby shower gift ideas, to something bright and cheery, to something slightly inappropriate to make you laugh.

A couple doors down is the Yellow Door Art Market. It's like visiting an art festival every day.

Over at City Style, you'll find something a bit edgier. From Kid Rock's "Made In Detroit" clothing line, to Harvey seatbelt bags and yoga-mat flip flops.

Owner Carrie Vestrand says if she doesn't have what you need, somebody around here does - and it's important to keep it local.

Berkley has so many little shops, FOX 2 just didn't have time to visit them all. Berkley also has antique shops, a large toy store, comic book shops and many other home decor shops.

The shopping district isn't just on 12 Mile in downtown Berkley; it also stretches along Coolidge Highway.