January is a tough time for retail sales, small local businesses are especially hard hit with some even having to shut down temporarily. “Cash Mobbing” is an exciting new way to give these struggling stores a bump in business; In the same vein as ‘flash’ mobs, a group of people organize together to show up at a specific place and time–in this case instead of breaking out in dance they all break out their wallets.

The concept has been seen in at least 30 other U.S. cities, not including Detroit…until now. After seeing it in action in Ann Arbor, photographer David Lewinski thought it was time to bring the idea to Detroit so the city could help support its own. Detroit Ca$h Mob is currently a work in progress, but the goal is to get everyone mobbing within the month. To get involved in planning and participating in the very first Detroit cash mob, check out the Detroit Ca$h Mob group on Facebook. Happy Mobbing (legally, of course)!

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If you loved the Detroit Urban Craft Fair and Noel Night last weekend, you can catch even more awesome local D.I.Y. food-style this weekend in Eastern Market.

This Friday is the 2nd Annual Detroit Holiday Food Bazaar, a pop-up marketplace featuring local favorites like Great Lakes Coffee Roasting Co. and McClure’s Pickles, along with newbies like Love’s Custard Pie and Porktown Sausage. There will also be live music and a few  non-food vendors.

The event will take place from 5pm-11pm in a space above Costplus Wine, so come be merry, and feed your belly!

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Here at I am Young Detroit, we have been following the narratives of young people making change happen in the city. You have a chance to be one of those change-makers and become a part of a critical, 100% Detroit-driven community project. Citizen Effect, a Washington D.C. based non-profit, wants to help Detroit work for Detroit.

Detroit4Detroit’s first webisode highlights some passionate Detroiters who are making a difference in our city. In the video, Model D publisher, Claire Nelson, says “There’s lots of little things that we all have to do.” Detroit4Detroit is working with several Detroit non-profits to do 150 projects in the city, to get those “little things” done.

If you’re following this blog, chances are you’ve already got the passion to make it happen. Get in touch with Detroit4Detroit to mobilize your efforts.

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Saturday, December 3rd: 5-9:30pm

We can almost hear the sounds of the Salvation Army Band coming down Woodward. It’s that time of year again, filled with holiday cheer and ice-sculpting in front of the DIA. Throughout Midtown, you’ll get to see the best of our local shops, museums, and historic churches. With over 60 venues, it’ll be tough to fit everything you want to do and see. You can eat Hudsonville Ice Cream in the Science Center, or watch the Detroit Fire Guild in front of WSU’s business school.  Dance to the sounds of Slavic Soul Party at Motorcity Brewing Works, or relax to the Detroit Children’s Choir at The First Unitarian Universalist Church. You can even squeeze in some holiday shopping at City Bird, Nest, 71 POP, Goods, The Peacock Room, Bohomodern, Bob’s Classic Kicks….(the list goes on & on). And of course being so busy you’ll want to grab a bite to eat!

We hope to see you enjoying Midtown’s holiday festivities, be sure to stop by and visit us at 71 Pop!

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As unique small businesses continue to sprout and help transform the economic landscape of the once-booming automotive capital of the nation, a largely untapped retail concept is quickly gaining steam. Unequivocally of the moment, uncertain, changing — words that could also describe Detroit and its up-and-coming movers seeking their next — pop-up shops, temporary stores that “pop up” one day then disappear shortly thereafter, may offer local entrepreneurs just the opportunity they’ve been looking for.

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