Disclosure: This post is sponsored by the GMRENCEN. All opinions are my own.
Stuck at work, downtown and a list of a thousand things to do before the holidays? We all have a Christmas to-do list a mile and a half long, and the hours of the day are running out. But if you’re down near the GMRenCen you’ll not only be able to shop during your work hours, but find unique gifts for your friends and family – and take the time to talk with Santa Claus while you’re down there!
For the fourth year in a row the GMRenCen has put their Holiday Headquarters in the 300 building, and over the next three weeks you’ll find over 30 local artists and entrenpenuers selling their goods and great present ideas. Each week the vendors change slightly, and the holiday market place is unique since it doesn’t charge the vendors any booth fee to sell during the holiday season. From candles, art wares, jewelry food and more you can find it all in this small pop up shop.
While the hours are a bit limited of the Holiday Headquarters, Monday-Friday 11-5 with extended hours on Thursdays. Meet new vendors, some that give back and others that have Detroit themed products. And while you’re enjoying the market, take advantage of the free gift wrapping with your purchase, and pick them up at the end of your work shift. The free gift wrapping includes any item purchased inside the GMRenCen if you have a receipt – so find your gifts throughout the complex!
The GMRenCen Holiday Headquarters is a great bonus for the more than 1600 employees that work in the complex, but it is open to the public as well. It is easily accessible by the People Mover if you’re already in the downtown area. Be sure to visit the market and head to the Jefferson entrance of the tower to find Santa Monday-Saturday. Not only is it free to visit and get photos with Santa, but he even has a special gift for the kids that visit. One of the only Santa’s in the city, he’s happy to visit with kids from all over the metro-area.
Make a day trip and visit the market, GM World and Santa and take advantage great stores, local vendors and several restaurants throughout the building. It’s the perfect way to kick off the holiday season and to check some of those items off your holiday to-do list.
Check out our visit to the GMRenCen Holiday Headquarters and a visit to Santa!
About the GMRenCen Holiday Headquarters:
“Entrepreneurship is a driving force in Detroit and our annual holiday pop-up shops are a great opportunity for us to support local businesses,” said Claudia Killeen, General Motors manager of Renaissance Center Development. “Not only are local entrepreneurs able to test their wares with a new audience, but our GMRENCEN tenants love shopping local. Over the past four years this event has tripled in size and we’ve supported some fantastic organizations.”
Items for sale include everything from handcrafted art, Detroit apparel, handmade soaps, unique jewelry, delicious dessert confections, fun pet merchandise and more.
In addition to the pop-up shops, the permanent retail stores inside the GMRENCEN are open during normal business hours and complimentary gift wrapping will be stationed inside Holiday Headquarters. Before or after shopping, be sure to dine at one of the GMRENCEN’s 30 dining options.
Shoppers and children can also meet Santa in the Jefferson Lobby inside the GMRENCEN and tell him what’s on their wish-list while shopping at Holiday Headquarters. Santa arrives from the North Pole on Friday, Nov. 23 and will leave on Saturday, Dec. 22. Building tenants and visitors can meet with Santa from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday.
Grab Your GMRC Holiday Headquarters Flyer so you know which vendors to visit this week!
