SHOPPING
SHOPPING ON MACKINAC
Mackinac Shopping -Little Luxuries
Mackinac has been a hub of commerce and trading for centuries . After the War of 1812 , fur trappers came to the Island to trade their animal pelts for food and provisions .
As the fur business faded in the 1870s , tourism grew to become Mackinac ’ s primary industry . Island residents adapted to the changing business environment from furs to tourism . Native Americans and Island entrepreneurs successfully began selling souvenirs to Island visitors . Woven sweet grass baskets , carved trinkets , pottery and birch bark novelties were typical items sold to Island visitors to remember their visit to Mackinac . These were the first souvenirs sold on Mackinac .
Ever since , visitors to the Island have wanted souvenirs of their own to take home . Buying a keepsake item , a memento or reminder 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 , sunglasses , soaps , knives , hats , wine , books , artwork , shoes , custom embroidered shirts , sweats and jackets emblazoned with Mackinac Island logos on them .
Because there are no chain stores , shopping malls or formula retail on the Island , shopping here means you ’ ll find unique small town charm and distinct , memorable one-of-akind treasures .
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 . Main Street and Market Street are located downtown within easy walking distance from all hotels and boat docks . You will find one of a kind clothing stores , toy stores , jewelry shops , fine home gifts , souvenir shops and art galleries filled with beautiful works of local artists and artisans .
Mackinac Island is full of wonderful shops and charming boutiques . 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 .
2021 / Inside Mackinac 43