This is the ideal season to experience Macomb County's new crop of shops.
By Rebecca Kavanagh Photography by Bill Bowen
Autumn is awesome in The D. With Michigan among the showiest states for fall foliage, visitors are treated to vibrant views at every turn. Leaf colors in these parts peak in October, but you can spot bursts of gold and red as early as September.
With nature’s beauty blazing, you don’t want to be stuck inside. It’s harvest time! But instead of cabbage and cauliflower, we’re picking clothes and cosmetics and everything in between. When your fall weekend plans include shopping, head to Macomb County for a retail experience like none other.
Fresh-Air Fun
As soon as The Mall at Partridge Creek opened last fall, it became the talk of the town. Visitors raved (and still do) about the 600,000-plus-square-foot shopping center that has all the characteristics of a world-class mall — without the roof.
Shoppers stroll between the 80 some stores and restaurants on brick-paver pathways lined with lush landscaping. “We wanted the overall environment to feel like an old-fashioned downtown,” said Seok Chung, marketing and sponsorship director for The Mall at Partridge Creek. “We’ve got everything but the cars.”
Everything and a bit more. You won’t find many downtowns boasting giant outdoor televisions, but Partridge Creek has just that. Protected by a climate-control casing, the two flat-screen TVs are on year-round. Handsome and sturdy wood chairs are arranged in front of the sets, which were tuned to cartoons and sports on a recent afternoon. Situated near one of the mall’s six entrances, the Plasma Screen Court is an ideal meeting place, offering a way to pass the time for visitors whose companions are running a bit behind.
And who wouldn’t be? Partridge Creek’s eclectic retail mix makes it hard to stop shopping. The mall is anchored by Nordstrom and Parisian — department store shopping at its finest. The two-level Nordstrom offers a well-edited assortment of luxury and quality fashion brands. Its five shoe departments are famous for unparalleled service and selection.
Parisian, also with two levels, boasts customer-friendly touches such as wide aisles, skylights and a design that allows shoppers to see from one end of the store to the other so they stay oriented. Both department stores made their Macomb County debut with the launch of Partridge Creek. Other shops also new to both Partridge Creek and the area include Bare Escentuals, Love Culture, For Love 21, Lucky Brand Jeans and Skechers.
Still More
Whether you’re rounding out your fall wardrobe or doing holiday shopping, Partridge Creek is packed with a world of choices. Women’s fashions include PINK by Victoria’s Secret, J. Jill and dELiA*s. For men there’s Moosejaw, Calvin Klein and J. Crew. GameStop, Bose and the Apple Store await holiday shoppers looking for wow-worthy gifts.
The Apple Store — another Macomb County first — is so much more than a mere computer store. With its workshops, events and Genius Bar, it’s a Mac-fanatic clubhouse. An orange-shirted concierge greets customers, and personal shopping assistants take it from there. Once decisions are made, there’s no need to wait in line; on-the-spot checkout is available for credit card purchases.
Ready to try out that new MacBook? Have a seat anywhere within Partridge Creek’s public spaces and take advantage of the mall’s free WiFi, a generous customer-friendly touch.
Let’s Eat
All that shopping is sure to work up an appetite. From grab-and-go snacks to leisurely three-course meals, Partridge Creek has something to please every palate.
Pizza Rustica makes its Michigan debut in this quick-service spot that serves gourmet pizza as whole pies or by the slice. Don’t skip dessert: a crisp crust doubled over and filled with imported hazelnut chocolate is ooey-gooey good.
Bar Louie is an upscale urban restaurant and bar. The location is the first in metro Detroit and is very popular, offering a variety of signature sandwiches, as well as $1 burgers on Tuesday nights. P.F. Chang’s China Bistro is a favorite for high-quality Asian cuisine in other parts of The D, and now it’s available to Macomb diners in their own backyard.
California Pizza Kitchen completes the West Coast vibe of an open-air shopping experience, and Surf City Squeeze offers healthful refreshment on the go. Customize your smoothie with your choice of fresh fruit and nutrient mix-ins.
Playful Touches
There’s more than just shopping and dining at Partridge Creek, however. If you’re headed out for a day of fun with friends and can’t decide between store-hopping, grabbing a bite or catching a movie, head to the Creek and do it all.
The giant MJR Theatres complex boasts 14 screens, all with stadium-style seating and digital sound. After the show, grab a latte at Starbucks Coffee or a rich and creamy hot cocoa from the Moonstruck Chocolate Café and snuggle around the mall’s 30-foot outdoor stone fireplace.
There are plenty of gathering spots throughout the mall, with seating for 1,000 on the property. Take a seat at one of the chess, checkers or backgammon tables after getting the game pieces from the Customer Service Center; they’re free to borrow with a refundable deposit. Also at the Customer Service Center, you’ll find the bocce balls you’ll need to challenge your pals on one of the mall’s two outdoor courts.
“One thing I’ve noticed about Partridge Creek is that it’s a lot more social than other malls I’ve visited,” said Chung. “When you’re in a typical mall, you’re on a mission to buy and move on. But here, people tend to stop and talk with one another — there’s a lot more human interaction.”
A Dog’s Life
There’s fuzzy logic at play here: Dogs are always welcome at Partridge Creek. Big and small, fluffy and furry, there’s a pup around every corner. The mall invites well-behaved, leashed dogs to accompany their people along the walkway and into many stores. Dog Comfort Stations provide bowls of fresh water and disposable bags for you-know-what.
About a third of the retailers are dog-friendly, signaling their canine acceptance with window stickers. Don’t be surprised to bump into Fido at Eddie Bauer or Fifi at Crabtree & Evelyn. And any dog worth his wag will stop in to Three Dog Bakery for all-natural treats baked daily.
“The dogs are my very favorite thing about this mall,” said 8-year-old Heidi Russo, visiting on a recent Saturday with her mom Kathy. The family lives in nearby Warren, and has frequented Partridge Creek many times since it opened.
“We call it a mall park because there’s so much more to do than just shop,” said Kathy. “We love to sit and people-watch, listen to the bands that played every day this summer, climb on the foam fruits in the children’s area. It’s just a fun place to be.”
Holiday Happiness
The Russos did manage to squeeze in some shopping — Heidi was so pleased with the Hannah Montana shirt she scored at Parisian that she wore it out of the store. They’re planning on returning for Christmas shopping, which they also did last year amidst 300,000 decorative lights.
“The holiday decorations are just beautiful, and really put you in the mood for shopping,” mom Russo said. “There’s something about going from store to store with the snow falling and the lights twinkling that says Christmas.”
This year’s plans call for a tree-lighting ceremony on November 22, when local school choirs will lend their merry voices as the towering 42-foot tree at center court is set aglow with colorful animated lights. The carolers will also serenade the jolly one himself with “Here Comes Santa Claus” as he parades from the main entrance toward the giant tree. As part of the festivities, Santa will sit and pose for candid pictures with all the good girls and boys.
As the holiday lights come up, the mall’s three fountains shut down, and that includes the interactive pop-jet fountain that kids are only too happy to frolic in during warmer weather.
The nearby Children’s Play Park remains open throughout the winter, however, it does shut down for safety when it rains or snows. Bocce ball remains a winter option as well — just remember your gloves! If you happen to leave them at home, not to worry: there are plenty of places at Partridge Creek to buy a new pair.
Wintertime shoppers need not fret about slipping and sliding between stores. The automatic snowmelt system underneath the walkway means Partridge Creek truly is a four-season destination.
Rebecca Kavanagh lives in Farmington Hills with her family and mutt Sparky, who’s keeping a running shopping list for Three Dog Bakery at The Mall at Partridge Creek.
