Community Corner

Shine has 'Double Local' Products, Small Business Saturday Deals

Don't Mess With the Mitten Products have a powerful message, local shop owner says. Visit Shine on Saturday for T-shirts, and free gifts.

As the holidays approach, give a gift that’s not only made in Michigan, but sold at small businesses around the Mitten.

“Don’t Mess with the Mitten” T-shirts are available exclusively at local small businesses, and buyer Kelly Hadin says that makes them "double local."

Hadin says the line can make a positive impact on patrons, not just because the products are locally made, but because of what they stand for.

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"The design is more than just words," she said. "It has an empowering message."

The concept began after YesMichiCAN was founded in 2009 by friends Terri O’Brien of Northville and Lisa Burnia of Lyon Township after they witnessed people losing their jobs at the height of the economic meltdown. O'Brien and Burnia's products are made by local vendors, including T-shirts from Border Bros. in Plymouth, screen printing at the Identity Source in Novi and layout by Pryor Design in Ann Arbor. Visit the group's Facebook page for more information.

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The products will be on hand as holiday shoppers take advantage of Saturday's incentive to shop locally: Small Business Saturday. American Express card users who register their card here will get a credit of $25 on their statement when they make a purchase with their AmEx card at any participating small business Saturday.

Shine is participating in Small Business Saturday with sales throughout the store and offering a free gift with every purchase.

Besides Shine, you can find Don't Mess With the Mitten products locally at Berkley's , as well as at After the Rain in Milford, Dancing Eye Gallery in Northville, Grandpa Shorter’s Gifts in Petoskey, All About Blue in Ann Arbor, CS Sportswear in East Lansing and Montcalm Community College in Sidney.

Don't Mess With the Mitten merchandise also can be ordered online and shipped directly to college students, as well as enlisted military and Michigan natives who have moved out of state. A portion of all proceeds are donated to Bridgepointe, a Michigan-based charity that helps families throughout the state.


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