SHOPPING
SHOPPING ON MACKINAC
SHOPPING
Shopping at Little Luxuries
Mackinac has been a hub of business , commerce and trade for centuries . After the War of 1812 , fur trappers 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 tourism . 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 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 , 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 .
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