How to Buy Michigan this Holiday Season

(WJBK) - The holiday shopping season is now in full swing and Buy Michigan Now, a campaign designed to promote and restore Michigan's economy, is urging residents to think carefully about how and where they do their holiday shopping.

The campaign suggests these 5 tips to help rejuvenate Michigan while shopping this season:

Download Buy Michigan Now 2010 Holiday Gift Guide: You can find new ideas and discover companies you may not have known about, and even keep it local while shopping online at www.BuyMichiganNow.com

Take the ShopMIDowntown Challenge : Do 75% of your purchasing in downtowns, rather than malls, as you are more likely to find local products and independently owned stores.

Buy Michigan Foods/Beverages as Gifts: They are easy to find, come in wide varieties, and are a very practical gift during these difficult times.

Go to Brick and Mortar Stores: Shopping in actual stores helps preserve the jobs of your Michigan neighbors.

Shop Michigan Online: If convenience merits shopping online, consider Michigan-based stores and brands like Meijer, Borders, ABC Warehouse, Dunhams Sports, Moosejaw, Sanders, American Spoon, and Cherry Republic, to name a few.