Retail

Soul of the city: Retail and small business breathe life into Grand Rapids

Despite retail giants like Toys “R” Us and GR-based MC Sports closing their doors, GR recently took second place in the category of “Best Cities for New Small Business” in a LendingTree report. In this installment of Making it in GR, Rapid Growth observes the relationship between the current state of national retail and the local retail climate, as well as the effects of e-commerce on local business.

Business is booming: 9 company expansions and relocations in West Michigan

As the Grand Rapids economy continues to boom and professionals of all stripes move into downtown, companies from all over the country are taking notice. Here are 9 companies relocating to or expanding within West Michigan.  

Diamond Place pledges affordable housing and food security on Michigan Street Corridor

Diamond Place includes 165 one-and two-bedroom apartments. The combination of income-restricted housing and its ground-floor grocery store resulted in Michigan Good Food Fund funding for the project. 

Mokaya expansion is nothing to be truffled with

Founded in 2016, Grand Rapids’ own Mesoamerican-inspired chocolate boutique, Mokaya, recently expanded into new space at 638 Wealthy Street SE.

Robyn Porteen has a bag for that

A custom bag designer in business since 2010, Porteen Gear has opened its first retail store in the Creston neighborhood. Local customers can come in and design a custom-made bag to suit their style. 

Gr8 Lks: Time is money in an effort to clean and preserve the Great Lakes

Neighborhoods of GR: What the North Quarter CID’s plan means for Cheshire Village

Thanks to the North Quarter Corridor Improvement District (CID), residents along Plainfield on the North East side can expect new development in the area. Hoping for similar developments seen in Creston Business District, Cheshire Village may become GR's next destination neighborhood.

Let’s get social: Follow sustainable fashion enthusiast Hope Ramseyer

Grand Rapidian Hope Ramseyer discovers and connects with a “slow fashion” community. On Instagram, she shares her insights on her travels, fashion, and favorite foods (@hope.caroline.r) both local and abroad.

Women dominate retail spaces at 1 Carlton Ave. SE

Fulton Square, a mixed-use development project at 1 Carlton Ave. SE in Eastown, recently welcomed its final retail occupant, MODRN GR. The urban home furnishing boutique joins two other woman-owned businesses, Ada Mae, women’s apparel, and E+L Salon, as well as anchor tenant, Danzon Cubano Eastown.