Great Service

Get better service: Local businesses often hire people with a better understanding of the products they are selling and take more time to get to know customers

JOBS!

5.Create more good jobs: Small local businesses are the largest employer nationally and in our community, provide the most jobs to residents.

Help the Environment!

4.Reduce environmental impact: Locally owned businesses can make more local purchases requiring less transportation and generally set up shop in town or city centers as opposed to developing on the fringe. This generally means contributing less to sprawl, congestion, habitat loss and pollution.

Keep Wyandotte Unique!

3.Keep our community unique: Where we shop, where we eat and have fun -- all of it makes our community home. Our one-of-a-kind businesses are an integral part of the distinctive character of this place. People generally seek out destinations that offer them a sense of being someplace, not just anyplace.” ~ Richard Moe, President, National Historic Preservation Trust

Locals Support Their Own Communities!

2.Support community groups: Non-profit organizations receive an average 250% more support from smaller business owners than they do from large businesses.

Why Buy Locally Owned?

There are many well-documented benefits to our communities and to each of us to choosing local, independently owned businesses. We realize it is not always possible to buy what you need locally and so merely ask you to Think Local FIRST!

Top Ten reasons to Think Local - Buy Local - Be Local

1.Buy Local -- Support yourself: Several studies have shown that when you buy from an independent, locally owned business, rather than a nationally owned businesses, significantly more of your money is used to make purchases from other local businesses, service providers and farms -- continuing to strengthen the economic base of the community

Welcome Back Tommy!

Tommy Bahama has been a favorite of the Chelsea shoppers for a long time and is finally just as fabulous for women! We have a great selection of sweatshirts, sweatpants, and t-shirts in a variety of colors. The fabric is amazing! The colors perfect for the season.
We've also got some cruise wear just in today. The halter dress is spectacular. The skirts and tops perfect. Add to that a collection that includes a nifty "safari" jacket, dress and skirt. What a great coordinated group! They're all perfect for travel! Come in and check out our Tommy Bahama "Department". You're sure to love it as much as we do!

Think Local First!

"Think Local First" is a term developed to refer to the commitment to supporting local communities. Rather than simply promoting "buying" local, we suggest a larger role as advocates for the "movement".

By thinking local, we can make choices that have dramatic impact on our local community, on Wyandotte, Downriver, Michigan.....our own economy and environment. We know and understand that we may not necessarily be able to buy everything we need or use from local independent businesses, but are suggesting that we all think local FIRST.

A Local First campaign educates consumers about the economic and social advantages that independent and local businesses bring to a community. The goal is to create a thriving local economy by maximizing the potential of local businesses, and transferring market share (business, government, and consumer purchases) from non-locally owned businesses to local independently owned businesses.

One of the greatest things an individual can do to support his or her local community is to patronize its locally owned businesses. Compared to their national competitors, local independent businesses recycle more money back into the local economy and give greater support to a community's nonprofit and civic needs. They are better positioned to respond to the special needs of the community, and they are more tied to the community's future. Additionally, a community with vibrant independent businesses retains its unique character as a great place to live and visit. In promoting a Local First campaign, a community supports a thriving local economy and its way of life.

So, let's get on board! Eat at Joe's rather than McDonalds. Enjoy dinner and watching your favorite sporting event at Lion's Tigers and Beers rather than Buffalo Wild Wings. Shop at Chelsea and Willow Tree rather than Mens Wearhouse and the Mall!

The Perfect Balance - YOGA JEANS

Offering the flexibility of a yoga garment, Yoga Jeans offer the perfect balance between a super-cute trendy jean and the comfort of lounge or yoga pants! What more could you want?

The secret is in the fiber. They're made of top-quality denim containing 97% brushed cotton and 3% elastane. Yoga Jeans hug the curves of the body in any position. They fit the ups and downs of a hectic day and "morph" into laid-back fashion in the evening. They look great, too!

Yoga Jeans are so comfortable and hold their shape so well becase they have 92% shape memory (while the industry standard is only 64%). Thanks to their revolutionary treatment, they actually shape, hold, and lengthen the body and help mask its defects. Multifunctional and perfectly malleable, Yoga Jeans are available at Willow Tree in a few colors!

Come fall in love with them today!

Because Community Matters

Helping Communities & Local Independent Businesses Thrive!

Supporting local businesses builds a stronger, more self-reliant local economy. We can all be part of the solution!

Think of your favorite shop (Willow Tree and Chelsea come to mind, of course), restaurant (Angelina's Mexican Restaurant, Michaelangelos Italian Bistro, Solero Cafe, Nanna's Kitchen, Lion's Tigers and Beers, Coastal Thai, Stroh's, Joes Hamburgers) or service provider (Dr. Anne Abrahamson/Great Lakes Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation).

It's probably a "homegrown business". Independent locally-owned businesses are essential to a vital local economy and community character. They're where the locals go. They're owned by our friends and neighbors, or maybe even by you (or me)!

Community-serving businesses are the backbone of local economies, civic life, local charities, and financial stability for millions of citizens, as well as a training ground for future generations of entrepreneurs.

Problem: Today, independent businesses face unprecedented competition from larger chain competitors, internet merchants and franchises that enjoy national or international branding power and major economies of scale. As a result, community-based businesses comprise a smaller portion of our economy than ever before. We’ll lose much more than places to shop, dine or do business if we allow current trends to continue.

Let's get educated. Let's continue the "MOVEMENT" in Wyandotte! We have everything you need! Clothing and Accessories, Furniture, Food, Drinks, Gifts, Coffee, Wine. Come let us show you a great HOMETOWN HOLIDAY!

What is the 3/50 Project Anyhow?

The 3/50 Project is a viral Buy Local campaign that sprung from a simple blog post in March 2009, supporting independent, locally owned, "brick and mortar" businesses like the Willow Tree and Chelsea.

By educating consumers about the impact of their spending habits, the Project's goal is to increase consumer spending in a way that delivers the greatest amount of financial benefit to local community economies.

The message
The Project's tag line, "Saving the Brick and Mortars Our Nation is Built On" refers to its sole purpose—retention of locally owned, independent businesses, whose dollars provide a large portion of annual revenue critical to funding public resources and services.

Consumers are asked to think of three businesses they would miss if they disappeared (like Dolce Vita, Zara's, Cheesecake Magic, The Victorian Tea Room) then return to them, with a reminder that those transactions are what keeps the doors open.

The number 50 ties to the fact that if just half (50%)of the employed U.S. population dedicated $50 of their current monthly spending to locally owned independent businesses (instead of the national chains), more than $42.6 billion of revenue would be generated annually.

The 3/50 Project message then explains that for every $100 spent in local, independent brick and mortar businesses, more than $68 returns to the local economy; when spent in a big box or chain, the amount drops to only $43.

If you spend it online, and unless you live in exactly the same community as the e-tailer, NOTHING comes home.

Knowing that patronizing Michaelangelos on Elm rathern than Olive Garden helps my own neighborhood makes me feel good.

Getting coffee from TONGUE'S or THE GRIND vs. Starbucks is good for our community!

Getting that holiday outfit for your children from CECILIA MELODY vs. Gymboree makes our main street more healthy!

Getting your clothing and accessories from WILLOW TREE vs. Chicos fuels the economy (and insures you'll look fabulous).

Shopping local at CHELSEA vs. Mens Warehouse keeps our Downtown vital. It's a no brainer!

Shopping at FINE THINGS or IT ALL MAKES SCENTS vs. Hallmark or Pottery Barn keeps your money where your house is!

It's EASY! JOIN THE MOVEMENT, won't you?

We've Got a Gift for Giving!

Just in time for SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY! Take advantage of this "electronic Gift Card"! It's good for $30 Off a $100 purchase. Some restrictions apply and are posted on the card and at the store.

Just print this out -- and bring it with you!

Shamballa means Peace, Tranquility & Enlightenment

Shamballa jewelry is the newest trend to hit the fashion and jewelry industry so, of course, Willow Tree has them for you. Synonymous with tranquility, peace and enlightenment these bracelets have it all! Great karma, sparkle, color and quality. PERFECT Christmas and Holiday gifts!

There is MORE to Universal Unique Trollbeads Than You Can Imagine!

Some glass beads are more beautiful than others but surely the most beautiful of all are those that help people to a better life.

This is the fruit of a project set up by Lise Aagaard Copenhagen (Trollbeads) to teach exiled Tibetan refugees in Dharamsala to provide for themselves.

This great story is yet another example of how special Trollbeads really are! Making the Universal Unique beads for Trollbeads makes it possible for many Tibetan refugees to provide for themselves and their families.

It started in 2005 when Lise Aagaard Copenhagen began a ‘Self Sustainable Business Project’ in cooperation with a Tibet Charity. The idea for the project was to teach destitute Tibetan refugees ‘to catch fish’ as opposed to ‘give them fish’.

In May 2005, Lise traveled to Dharamsala and taught them how to make glass beads. She then bought all the beads they produced and continued to work with them in perfecting their technique for over 6 years. She also provided education on how to run their own businesses.

The result of this project are the absolutely gorgeous UNIVERSAL UNIQUE beads from Trollbeads. These beads are high-quality, glass beads that fit on ALL bracelets including Pandora and Chamilia.

Lise explained that she always experienced so much pleasure working in her trade and thought that sharing her knowledge and passion in a way that could help others was a fantastic opportunity.

The manager of the project was appointed by his holiness the Dalai Lama and started with Lise visiting Dharamsala in May 2005 when she taught bead making to 12 women and men.

'Tibet Beads’, as the project is called, continues to make beads and ship them to Denmark, where Lise Aagaard uses them in her Universal Unique collection. The style of the “Tibet Beads” reflects the Tibetans own preferences for color and design, making them individually unique.

Today, more than 24 families make a living producing this jewelery. On the main street in Dharamsala, the Tibetans have even opened their own store from which they sell their jewelery. They have also opened a dairy, a carpentry and a tailoring business as a result of the training they received from the program!

Way to go Trollbeads!

Let's Talk Treska

Treska Jewelry works hard to design quality handmade products. While many of their items are imported, each is made by hand. Each enjoys the slight variations of human processes which makes each completely unique. The “look” is one of weathered or antiqued pieces and have that “one of a kind handmade” feel. The goals is to create jewelry that is as unique and special as its owner.

Unique and Special means it's perfect for our Willow Tree Customers! Come in and let us show you the collection!

So Many "Little Things" Make Us Special!

The Card Cubby® is a stylish, alphabetized mini-card file that fits right into your purse, briefcase, baby bag or car console!

Use it to Alphabetically File:
■Gift Cards
■Frequent Buyer Cards (like your Power Pass)
■Discount Cards
■Business Cards
■Important Contact Info
■Insurance Cards
■And on and on...

Put your Drivers License in the clear pocket, some cash and credit cards inside and use as a wallet!

Then, check out the Coupon Cubby, a stylish, organizing purse with a removable/adjustable strap and 30 dividers with labels. Use the pre-printed A-Z Labels or the specifics (like Dairy etc.) or customize it with the blank labels that are also included. The Coupon Cubby has an inside zipper for money and room for cell phones and keys. It is the PERFECT take-along for your trips to Kroger, Meijer, Concessis or Total Health Foods!

These are just two of the perfect stocking stuffers, or gifts that we ALWAYS have at "The Tree". We are THE "go to" place for those special touches that you need when looking for birthday, hostess or special occasion gifts!

Real Fur?

More than 300 designers used fur in their collections this year, yet in the early 1990's, wearing fur was taboo. Why the change of heart? It's simple. Fur is irresistibly glamourous, soft, sexy, flattering, fashionable and unbeatably warm.

We've got a nice selection of fur vests, jackets and sweaters. They're fabulous! Come in and tell us what you think!

Ecru Pants -- Known as THE BEST FITTING PANTS

The Story:

Ecru, makers of the world's best fitting pants, is one of the brands designed and marketed by Design Factory NYC, a New York based apparel and accessory company.

Ecru started with one pant ... The "beck trouser" in their exclusive double stretch fabric. Once women tried these clean, modern and sexy pants on; they were hooked. Ecru quickly established itself and has developed a loyal following among fashion aware women.

The Ecru customer is intelligent, active and seeks clothes to go with her to the office, out at night, on the weekends and in her travels. These women place a premium on fabric, quality, fit and original styling. Sounds like the Willow Tree Woman, doesn't it?

Willow Tree has these fantastic pants in the store right now! Come check them out!

Fireflies - Yet another Great New Autumn Release from Trollbeads

If you visit the tropics you can be lucky to see the little fireflies that radiate a unique green light to attract prey or to find a mate. Great inspiration for this great new bead!

Organic Bubbles

Another of the new Autumn beads is Organic Bubbles. Reminds us of Azure Bubbles. GORGEOUS!