We are surrounded by "big box" stores in mid Michigan. While they are "big box" stores are convenient, smaller, locally owned and operated businesses are where I prefer to shop. Mom & pop businesses are awesome and you can support local.

What is a mom & pop store or business? According to accurate, the definition of mom & pop is:

The term mom-and-pop is a colloquialism used to describe small, independent (and often family-owned) businesses.

These restaurants, grocery stores, bookshops, drug stores, or other retail offerings typically operate in a single location, serving customers within their local community.

There were a lot more mom & pop stores in existence when I was growing up. Although big stores like Meijer and Walmart are a one stop shop, mom & pop businesses are most often times locally owned and operated. A local family has poured their blood, sweat and tears into their business and have worked their butts off for their business and their community. I find that the employees at mom & pop businesses actually care about their job. I believe this is a direct result of working for a local business owner, the employees take pride in what they do.

Going to a mom & pop store or business can save you time while supporting local. Think about the lines at the "box store". They can be ridiculous. Not at a mom & pop store, lines tend to move at a good pace.

15 Best Mom & Pop Stores in Lansing

Gorman's

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via Google Streetview/Canva
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Located at 2800 N Grand River Ave, Lansing, MI 48906.

Bellingar Speicalty Meats

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Stop in to see them at 5006 N US HWY 27, St Johns, MI 48879.

Westlund's Apple Market

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See one of Lansing's staples at 2301 E Grand River Ave, Lansing, MI 48912.

Tom's Food Center

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Tom's has the convenience of mom & pop at 1619 W Grand River Ave, Okemos, MI 48864.

Dewey's Trading Post

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via Google Streetview/Canva
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It's worth the trip to 104 S Maple Ave, Maple Rapids, MI 48853.

Rive's Quality Meats

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It's worth the drive to Rive's, 396 E Main St, Rives Junction, MI 49277.

MEAT on the WEST Side

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New to Grand Ledge, the buzz is strong. See them at 315 S Bridge St, Grand Ledge, MI 48837.

Carl's

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via Google Streetview/Canva
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Take the trip to Dimondale and pay them a visit at 142 E Rd, Dimondale, MI 48821.

Viet Thai Market

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via Google Streetview/Canva
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Lansing loves this market at 3600 S Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Lansing, MI 48910.

Darrell's Market And Hardware

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Visit them today in Mason at 4520 W Columbia Rd, Mason, MI 48854.

East Lansing Food Co-Op

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via Google Streetview/Canva
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This place is cool and is located at 1605 E Kalamazoo St, Lansing, MI 48912.

Monticello's Market & Butcher Block

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I'm here at least once per week. See them at 16912 Marsh Rd, Haslett, MI 48840.

Campbell's Market Basket

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via Google Streetview/Canva
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See them in East Lansing at 547 E Grand River Ave, East Lansing, MI 48823.

Mert's Specialty Meats

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via Google Streetview/Canva
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This place has what ya need at 1870 W Grand River Ave, Okemos, MI 48864.

Handy's Food Market

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via Google Steetview/Canva
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Pay a visit to 424 W Willow St, Lansing, MI 48906.

Roadside Stands and Farmers Markets, 1900-1950

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