The Observation Deck

There are some places in Lakewood that I shop on a regular basis. I love the merchandise and the prices and I will shop them as long as they are here.

Of course The Bin. Great produce, nice bakery and specialty products. Great program that's worth a couple of extra cents.

In addition the mixed flower baskets are a real good investment for me. I use them on my balcony and they are healthy, pretty plants.

Empty Nest - Quality resale furniture. I can buy real wood at 1/5 the price of new pressed board items. Funky, fun and well made.

Dots of course. Cheap around the house clothes.

Elmwood Bakery - Quality goods, great prices.

Connie's Collectibles - Not retro off the street - quality, gently used, real wood, etc. etc. Good prices.

Marc's cause I have to.

Aldi's cause I like their merchandise.

I'm going to try TR Butcher Block - I think it's their name. I don't eat much beef, but I recently had a steak from there and I think I will spend my few cents for beef a month there.

Eclectic Homes because it's fun.

All three drugstores chain

Deja Vu - Just because, who wouldn't want to just walk around in there a bit.

Lakewood Hardware because I walk in there all confused and walk out with what I need or where to find it.

Radio Shack cause I have to.

And of course - not a merchant but my favorite place in Lakewood, the Library. I'm there at least once a week.

This list does not include places I like to eat. That will be a separate post. But I hope other people will write where they like to shop and why.

Maybe we can make a resource for everyone here.

Disclaimer - I'm on a fixed income so not a lot to go around but that's the way I roll.

Aldi's cause I like their merchandise.

ditto on that...

sharon kinsella wrote: I'm going to try TR Butcher Block - I think it's their name. I don't eat much beef, but I recently had a steak from there and I think I will spend my few cents for beef a month there.

TJ Butcher's Block
Last year for the LO annual hamburger contest, 5 out of 6 finalist got their beef from TJ Butcher Block.


.

Eats not included:

Wink's Barber Shop - Madison across from Angelo's Pizza. Good conversation and a haircut for $12. Appt only.

Fuzion Martial Arts - Madison at Hilliard, a couple doors down from Goddess Blessed. Taekwondo and self defense for kids and adults (monthly - no contracts). Women's fitness on mon, wed and sat (I believe). Women's fitness is $5 per class with no monthly.

Wings Hobby Shop - Detroit across from Johnny Malloy's. Good selection of models and other toys for kids.

Cerny Shoes - nice selection of men's shoes.

Gieger's - nice selection of men's shirts, jackets and pants. Good tailor, you won't be disappointed.

Well Geiger's is a no brainer for me!
TJ's is almost a daily visit.
Plantation Home and Cosmic Collectibles are great to browse in.
I get my hair done at Color by Numbers in Lakewood.
We dine out almost exclusively in Lakewood.
I buy my make-up in Lakewood (Lusso's).
My kid's go to school in Lakewood, (Except the one in college)
The only thing I really don't shop for here is groceries because I can't Stand Marc's or Giant Eagle. I will go to the Marc's in River simply because it is cleaner and the parking lot is better.
FWIW

Thanks for a great descriptive list, Sharon, and for mentioning the library.

I agree with you about the Bin. It's a terrific source for food and health supplies.

Hobart Health Food on Madison is always good for health supplies too. The staff are very kind and helpful.

Lion & Blue is gift shop I really enjoy.

My Mind's Eye is one of the great record shops in the USA, a Lakewood treasure deserving support.

La Pita Express is good for two or three meals a week.

Mahall's is a favorite place to hang with friends.

Steve Barry Buick is a Lakewood gem. Over the years I have known several Lakewood elders who always spoke highly of the enterprise, the product, the people and the service. Last year, after noticing advertisements in the Lakewood Observer, I decided to buy a used car from Steve Barry Buick. Before purchase, I had it evaluated by Ralph Miller's Sunaco, who gave the vehicle two thumbs up. I've been delighted with car. I've recommended Steve Barry Buick to friends who have also been satisfied with used car purchases. The Buick itself is an artifact of American culture that speaks deeply and honorably through Steve Barry Buick.

Even when shopping for body work is not necessarily a pleasure, Jim Mossberger's Miracle Auto Body is another place where quality, person, price and service are impeachable.

Sugar Bear's on Madison for summertime banana splits and ice cream cones a favorite.

Madison Car Wash is another fine and worthy establishment.

Kenneth Warren

OMG...I forgot the Bin!

I also forgot that, even though I hate chainstores - duh Marc's - I get my haircut at Best Cuts in the the Plaza next to Marc's. I've been going to the same beautician there for 10 years and she does a great job on my cut. She's an old friend and great with scissors.

It's afforadale and even with a big tip I get out of there for $15.00 bucks for a cut I'd pay $45.00 for anywhere else.

I just made a new word, afforadale.

Maybe that's one of the sections of Lakewood we should put a sign on.

All of the above plus Goddess Blessed for really good gifts and really great Reiki treatments!

The Y of course which is great for kids in the winter to burn energy!

Beshe, the new bath and body by Goddess Blessed.

Wobblefoot Gallery, even though I haven't seen him in awhile!

I also love Connie's! And Lakewood Home Furnishings!

Cuttin Loose-I have not been there but they did all the high schools' drama for the 80's play and were so nice to them my son just went back for a cut. He said they are the nicest ladies ever!

I love Designer Consignor and she always donates gorgeous dresses to Cinderella's Closet!

Local Girl Gallery has fabulous art and gifts of course but can't go in without buying something for myself!

The libraries, another wonderful escape for my children that feels like a palace to read in!

I know its food but the deli across from Beer Engine-the nicest couple ever and great prices on cold cuts and hot food. I do also love the butcher shop on Detroit though. It is nice to have a variety.

Kenneth Warren wrote: My Mind's Eye is one of the great record shops in the USA, a Lakewood treasure deserving support.

Agreed. Harvey Pekar is also quite a fan, and the shop has been mentioned several times in his American Splendor comics.

One Lakewood establishment I love that hasn't been mentioned yet is Breadsmith. They are a weekly and sometimes bi-weekly stop for me.

New Westlake Cleaners. The owners are great and its eco friendly.

I absolutely love sweet designs chocolates on Detroit ave.! The chocolates and candies are supremely delicious and beautiful. I am so impressed with the gorgeous window display and clean, tasteful (no pun intended) shop. When I first looked at the catalog and website, I thought that the store was located in a big city (Chicago, New York) or vacation-esque quaint shopping district. Here it is, only a couple of blocks from my house. This is a business that is utterly professional and offers a fabulous and reasonably priced product. http://www.sweetdesigns.com/index.htm

If you haven't been, you should go![/url]

Shannon I'm with you on that store, the chocolate covered grapes are awesome. The owner is Croatian, so whenever I'm in the store I get to chat with her. Always fun.

The owner's husband owns a framing/photography shop two doors down from Sweet Designs. He takes all the photos for signage and website.

So I support them both!

If you need any framing done, go to John Rehner. Great guy.

http://www.stilllight.com/html/retail_gallery.html