With the holiday shopping season nearly over, many people are out getting last-minute gifts. I went to Twelve Oaks Mall in Novi to talk to last-minute shoppers about what they're looking for and what they're hopeful to find.
I am Christmas shopping last-minute, looking for my family, my daughter, my son some family, my mom," Tiffany Toffen Taormina said.
We decided to follow Taormina, whose trick is coming in with a plan.
What do we need to get? I need stocking stuffers I need a few bigger items for some girls," she said. Sometimes they have these little gift bags that have a little bit of everything in them you can kind of give someone a good gift with that.
She is also shopping in person from here on out.
Online shopping can be, you know, it says it's gonna be delivered and then theres a delay and things like that," she said. At the store at least I know Im leaving with exactly what I want."
Then we followed Michael Bachleda and his brother, who were shopping for a very special person.
We love our mom. Shes an absolute angel," Bachleda said. We're going to get some slippers for my mom. Alright lets go.
Their tactic is to look for anything they could find. They went store to store, but eventually found what they were looking for.
Todays gift tip. Split presents with your siblings for your parents," he said.
Michael Hale and his daughter were seeing what caught their eye. Their main idea is to keep it lighthearted to save your Christmas spirit.
"Just have fun & enjoy who youre shopping for," Hale said.
A Chicago man is trying to turn his honest mistake into something positive after forgetting to return an overdue library book to his childhood library in Warren.
I was going through the books on my bookshelf, as I do every decade or so, and when I got to this book, Im like 'Baseball Zaniest Stars', I remember this, and I noticed the Dewey decimal number on it, and I thought uh oh what is this, said Chuck Hildebrandt.
He checked out the book in 1974 at the age of 13 because of his love of baseball.
"When I was a kid, I became a baseball freak during the 1968 Tiger's pennant run. Even as a six and seven-year-old, I couldnt avoid it, said Hildebrandt.
After discovering he still had the book a few years ago, Hildebrandt decided to hang onto it until the 50th anniversary of the due date to visit Warren and return it in person.
I cant account for thirteen-year-old me. All I can say is 63-year-old me would definitely turn the book in on time, said Hildebrandt.
However, Library Director Oksana Urban says it was too late, and they could not accept the book.
"I got a chuckle, and I said, lets check the system to see if your name is still online, and we did, and I said, Mr. Charles, your name has been purged, and so has the book that youre holding," said Urban.
Hildebrandt was able to keep the book fine free. But that didn't stop his guilt.
He estimates if charged the fines would have added up to $4,563.75.
At that point it became a very real number and I started feeling very embarrassed, said Hildebrandt.So I thought at that point I need to do something to kind of make good on this. Theyve already forgiven the fine; what can I do.
Detroit police shut down a Mobil gas station near McNichols Road and the Lodge Freeway on Monday after a clerk allegedly shot at a suspected shoplifter. A similar incident happened at the gas station in 2023.
Earlier last week, we had an incident where the clerk left behind the glass for what appears to be suspecting someone of shoplifting, started shooting indiscriminately outside here on the public streets putting this community in danger. That is not OK, Deputy Chief Franklin Hayes said. "We demand accountability. There is a responsibility for business owners as well as their staff to treat the community with dignity and second of all, firearms and shooting at someone on an open street like this, that is not OK."
The incident happened on Wednesday, Dec. 11.
The family of 38-year-old Tony Williams says because of the shooting, he was fleeing the clerk and jumped onto the Lodge to escape. He died from his injuries.
"It didnt have to happen at all," said Tuan Williams, the brother of the Tony.
The family called for the gas station to be shut down Sunday, chanting "shut it down" inside after holding a vigil.
"We wanted justice to be serve and justice is being served. Im thankful for that," Tuan Williams said.
Hayes was joined by council members, members of the Board of Police of Commissioners and community violence intervention partners. They hope the closure of the business sets a tone across the city.
"At this point, we consider this business very dangerous," Hayes said.
It's not the first time the gas station has been shut down.
It was shut down in 2023 for operating without a license after a triple shooting that claimed the life of a man and injured two others. A clerk locked the doors and the victims were locked inside as he argued over a theft police say totaled about $3.
We are committed to making sure that this does not happen again, Hayes said.
Related video: Court throws out manslaughter charge against clerk in Detroit gas station shooting Manslaughter charge dropped against Detroit gas station clerk, victim's mother speaks out
Police say they are looking at video evidence and still investigating the cause of Tony Williams' death.
"Its gonna be a major part of this healing process. Were gonna take it one step at a time, one day at a time, stay strong as possible. Im thankful justice is being served. One step and were going to continue to stand moving forward, said Tuan Williams.
A Southwest Detroit homeowner is searching for answers as fire officials investigate arson at his investment property.
"I would like to see the criminal brought to justice. That type of behavior is just not acceptable in our city," 30-year-old Tony Robinson said.
Video shared by the Detroit Fire Investigation Division, a joint task force between the Detroit police and fire departments, shows a suspect appearing to flee the scene.
The person in the video allegedly fled from the backyard of the home on 25th Street near Vernor on Nov. 4 after placing a T-shirt over his face just one minute before the house was in flames.
"Seeing that it wasn't a squatter and it was just somebody maliciously targeting my property, yeah that makes me upset," Robinson said.
The property was one of Robinson's firsts. He saved for years, did not have insurance and says the damage puts him behind tens of thousands of dollars.
"I bought the house from Wayne County tax auction a couple years ago," Robinson said. "I was looking to invest in the city I was born and raised in."
Robinson plans to take on debt so that he doesn't have to give up on his dream.
"Just make sure you have your properties insured, try to keep an eye on them and don't let things like this deter you from investing in the city," Robinson said.
If you have information on who the suspect is, you're urged to contact Detroit Fire investigators at 313-628-2900, detroitrewards.tv or arsontips@detroitmi.gov.
Detroit Police Commissioner Daryl Woods joined with prison reform advocates to urge lawmakers to stop stalling the vote on a group of bills that would give longtime prisoners a "second look."
The bills referred to as the Second Look Act still need a vote and approval in the Michigan House and Senate before heading to the governor's desk. A timeline on when that could happen has not been shared.
Woods feels the time is now, with new leadership set to take over in 2025.
VIDEO: Detroit leaders hold press conference on Second Look Sentencing Act Detroit leaders hold press conference on Second Look Sentencing Act
"I urge the Democratic leadership to step up today and make this happen," Woods said at the press conference.
Woods served 29 years in prison and was released in 2019.
If the bills pass, those serving sentenced over 20 years would have the chance to petition the court for a reassessment of their sentence. Their release would depend on a variety of factors like behavior behind bars, circumstances of the offense and input from prosecutors and victims.
"This is just compassion and I'm not saying that people don't deserve to be punished. Absolutely, and people are living out their punishment, but should we just condemn people and just throw them away? I say not," Woods said.
Woods also hopes the proposed law would address the prison overcrowding and understaffing that is currently plaguing Michigans correctional system.
"This is not an automatic release. It's about accountability, transformation and fairness," Woods said.
The second chance is what LaToya Mack is hoping for for family friend, 55-year-old Jason Armour, who was sentenced to life without the possibility of parole in 1992 for first -degree murder.
"He was with a group of people. There was one gun shot fired and everyone that was present was charged with the exact same crime," Mack said.
While in prison, Mack says Armour has been employeed as a braille transcriber with the Michigan Braille Transcribing Fund. He also has certifications from the United States Library of Congress for his proficiency in Braille Transcribing Literature and Mathematics/Geometry for the visually impaired.
"He has no trouble, no infractions on his prison record. This was a first-time offense," Mack said.
Armour found out about his story through his grandmother who attends the same church. They shared stories and eventually, she decided to advocate on his behalf.
But some victims like Nicole Beverly, a domestic violence survivor, believe there should be exceptions.
"While I absolutely agree that our criminal justice system needs reform and revamping and many individuals are serving sentencing terms for non-violent crimes that are unjust, the answer is not to blindly open the floodgates for all without stricter criteria for violent offenders, especially repeat offenders. I am gravely concerned about the impact this will have on victims in our state and the fact that they will lose the truth in sentencing they were promised by a judge and or jury to plan their lives by. This legislation will re-traumatize many victims unfairly including myself and my children," Beverly said.
Woods and other advocates have said the legislation would not be a blanket get-out-of-jail free card. However, Rep. Graham Filler, says no Republicans are planning to support the legislation.
"I would actually say it's the most damaging legislation that has went though my criminal justice committee in two years in the House here. We're talking murder, we're talking about carjacking, we're talking about domestic violence and all of sudden, these individuals get a second bite at the apple 20 years after the incident, felony after the conviction. Not only are we dropping thousand and thousands of new hearings on the judiciary system, but we're re-victimizing people who have already been through something horrendous," Filler said.
"What I really dont like is that the bills are trying to be jammed during lame duck instead of work closely putting a bipartisan way through the process. Instead, we got subs at the last second. Theyre not supported by law enforcement, theyre not supported by the victim community and so Im not going to stand for those bills.
Over the next couple of weeks as Christmas gets closer, an estimated 130,000 packages a day will go in and out of the Amazon Delivery Center in Canton.
Behind the scenes, employees and Amazon partners worked together to keep the process moving in whats referred to as the final mile on Wednesday.
The journey of an Amazon package has several steps and the delivery station is the last mile of the ordering process.
Just maintaining the constant balance of flow, site lead Erika Keeling said. During a high-volume event such as what we call 'peak,' we double and increase our flow and capacity.
Related video: Woman has packages snatched off porch at different times on same day Porch thieves on the prowl, homeowners concerned about holiday packages
Packages start on a semitruck early in the morning where they are unloaded and then taken into the facility to be sorted and scanned.
Right now, we do have an additional cycle to keep up with customer demand, Keeling said.
Packages are then placed in designated areas for driver associates to locate , scan and load onto their trucks.
Thomas Suchowolec, who drives for an Amazon delivery partner, says he always pays attention to the details in the drivers note from customers. Keeling has some suggestions for making sure the package is delivered successfully:
Amazons Map Tracking showing delivery window and location Utilizing an Amazon locker near you Asking the driver to use hidden drop-off locations to keep them out of view Sharing tracking with a friend or neighbor Key In-Garage Delivery
Once items are off the Amazon truck and in their designated delivery locations, their security is left up to the customer.
The Troy Police Department has seen a number of reports of porch pirates stealing packages in the past couple of months.
Related video: What you can do to protect your packages from porch pirates ahead of the Holiday Season What you can do to protect your packages from porch pirates ahead of the Holiday Season
Police Community Service Sgt. Ben Hancock advised people not to let packages sit.
Its a variety of ways theyre getting taken. People are still dressing up as delivery drivers for Amazon, UPS or FedEx, and people are also potentially following trucks around because within less than just five minutes of a package getting delivered, theyre being taken, Hancock said.
Hancock added that usually unless an arrest is made, the items are not found.
Our detectives are actively working the cases trying to track down the individuals who are doing this, Hancock said.
The process of getting a liver transplant isn't easy for anyone, but this holiday season as Christopher Warren spends more time in the hospital, his family is hoping for a miracle.
"I definitely believe in Christmas miracles," Warren's wife Christy said.
7 News Detroit has done countless stories with the Warren family about their son Cylis, who has Down syndrome and runs a popular lemonade stand that advocates for more awareness. Cylis was recently diagnosed with autism. Now, his father is in a fight for his life.
Watch our August 2024 report about Cylis in the video below: Taylor police go beyond the call of duty for a 7-year-old
While many people are prepping for the holidays, the Warren family is asking for living donors with type A or O blood that might be willing to be tested as a liver donor match.
"He needs a transplant. It is critical. He is fading in and out of quite quickly," Christy Warren said.
Christopher Warren has reached end-stage liver failure with liver cancer caused by Type 2 diabetes.
Hear more from Christy Warren in the video below: Woman shares husband's story who is in need of liver transplant
He was placed on the transplant list in December. After his first attempt at a surgery was unsuccessful, Christy Warren put a call out to social media.
"We're asking all of our Detroiters... if you think you can be a match, you can. And maybe if you can't help my husband, maybe you can help somebody else," Christy Warren said.
The post has been meet with hundreds of shares, comments and support.
"It's overwhelming definitely. I feel so grateful. Never in a million years that I write that post and expect it to go as viral as it did," said Christy Warren.
On Tuesday, Christy Warren went from dropping Christopher off at the emergency room, to taking Cylis to an appointment, to her kids' school to put out some Christmas decor.
As she placed a deer, community member Susan Cameon stopped by with a box of food.
"I was raised by very loving, giving parents who always said offer and do the best you can for anybody who is in need," Cameon said.
Christy Warren says it's just one example of the people who have shown up, donating food for the family and adopting them for Christmas.
Dr. Kimberly Brown, chief of the Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, as well as the associate medical director of Henry Ford Hospital Transplant, says the need is great across the state.
"There has always been and continues to be a pretty significant need for donor organs," Brown said.
How fast people move on the donor list is based on their degree of illness. Brown says living donors who volunteer do help patients who may be waiting.
Those candidates can come from the community. They can be altruistic donors, they can be family members, they can be friends or colleagues. Those individuals are evaluated completely separately from their recipient to ensure their medical health and their anatomy is appropriate to consider donation and that they would be an appropriate match for that individual," Brown said. "It is a very difficult personal choice. I would say the patients that come forward, we have them evaluated on a number of different levels."
Living donation for liver transplant dates back to the 1950s.
Christy Warren says interested living donors can sign up directly on Henry Ford's website and mention Christopher.
Students at Derby Middle School in Birmingham are making a difference this holiday season.
For decades, Derby has collected gifts and delivered them to Lighthouse Youth Sanctuary for runaway youth and teens experiencing homelessness.
The students organized a drive to collect gifts for the teens, who provided a wishlist.
I just wanted to help whoever was in need," eighth grader Asa said. "I feel like everyone should have a Christmas."
The school says there was an overwhelming level of participation.
"Its just the whole season of fun and its just a way to bring people together, student Kavia said. I hope that it like brings them a lot of joy to know that there are people out there willing to help them through tough times.
Some items donated by students included basketballs, Legos, a guitar, an Amazon Echo and household items like gloves and hats.
They did not know these were coming," David Permaloff, manager of Runaway and Homeless Youth Services, said during the drop-off. "I know their reactions are going to be really great.
Like tradition, the youth at Lighthouse will have to wait until Christmas Day to open their presents. Permaloff says there will also be a special breakfast and dinner.
Wayne-Westland Community Schools is starting to see a semblance of normalcy after a districtwide cyberattack that shut down internet and phone access.
Internet was partially restored Friday, and teachers at Davis Hick's Elementary were visibly grateful.
Teachers are resilient weve been through much worse, said teacher Malarie Wludyka.
Administration and teachers started their day Tuesday with the surprise news that they would have to adjust lesson plans.
"It was one of those where buses were already rolling, and then you find out that the internet has gone down, so kids were already on the way, said interim superintendent Jenny Curry.
But that decision was met with some frustration for parents who spoke out to WXYZ Thursday. Some pulled their kids.
RELATED STORY: Tech troubles raising safety questions for parents in Wayne-Westland school district Tech troubles raising safety questions for parents in Wayne-Westland school district
Curry says she felt they made the right choice.
"I think that we as a core team really truly felt that the moves that were making and that we continue to make are the right ones with students' and staff's interest in mind. So knowing that, theres always gonna be people that question us, there's always going to be people that feel that we are not doing the right thing, but meeting daily, constantly reflecting, how can we get better, we've definitely learned from it. If it happens again, which I hope it does not, we're going to be more ready," said Curry.
Curry added that despite parents' concerns, schools were secure, exterior doors remained locked, and learning still happened.
"We thought, why close? We knew that buildings were secure. We knew that we have one of the best staffs around, so student learning can still happen. We're still able to give students breakfast and lunch while they're here," said Curry.
She also feels the district communicated well with parents through email and the ClassDoJo app.
Tuesday was also when Davis Hicks experienced a soft lockdown because of a nearby police incident outside the school. Principal Matthew Furca says it was over in less than 40 minutes and taken as a precautionary measure.
The same day, a high school in the district received a possible threat that closed the school Wednesday.
"It was just, you know, one of those where sometimes you get, I'm gonna call it the perfect storm, two things happen at once, right, so we just made that decision," said Curry.
Furca said they were able to communicate with teachers with cell phones, using hot spots and opening the doors manually throughout the week.
"We very much ran our ship like normal. Instruction happened. Breakfast and lunch happened. Safety happened. It was a tiny inconvenience in the grand scheme of themes," said Furca. "I think sometimes people worry because it's their kids, and I always tell my parents, I expect you to worry about your kids, but know that I'm here to make sure your kids are safe."
Executive Director of Technology and Innovation Daryl Bebee said the investigation of what happened and why is still ongoing. So far, they believe no student data was breached.
FULL INTERVIEW: Jenn Curry, Interim Superintendent, and Daryl Beebe, Executive Director of Technology and Innovation FULL INTERVIEW: Jenn Curry, Interim Superintendent and Daryl Beebe, Executive Director of Technology and Innovation
They are still working to completely restore phones.
Detroit Lions fans are worldwide, and while we spoke to one just across the border in Windsor, it's a preview of how deep the fan base goes.
About 15 minutes from Detroit is Factory House Sports Bar in Windsor, Ontario. They have great food and 27 TVs.
Last couple of months with the Detroit Lions winning, its gotten busier and busier and I can only tell you one thing, Detroit Lions are number one," Vito Maggio, the owner of Factory House, said.
Superfan Josh Nikosey, who lives in Windsor, would agree.
Since I was a kid honestly, so in the poor days of the Detroit Lions 0 and 16," Nikosey said.
They're part of a growing number of Lions fans across the river as the NFL works to expand internationally.
Our bars are filled in Windsor with Detroit fans," Maggio said.
Especially at the Factory House, which is hosting their second official NFL GameDay Tailgate on Dec. 15.
When the Lions kick off from Ford Field on Thursday, fans told us they'll be cheering from across the world. Texas, Arizona, Colorado, Indiana, California, the U.K. and even Guam.
See our map below where Lions fans from across the globe submitted their photos! If you'd like to be added, email us a photo, your name and where you live around the world to webteam@wxyz.com
"Birmingham is Motor City in the UK, so its the center of the car industry in the UK. And so when I started watching football in the 1980s, I just thought Ive got to follow the team that is Motor City in the US so Detroit was natural really," Jason Adderley said.
Adderley watches every game, despite the time change. He plans to watch Thursday's game, which will start after 1 a.m. his time.
I should have a little sleep, about 9 o'clock until midnight, and then Ill get up and Ill start getting ready for the game," he said.
One Pride seems to be everywhere these days.
I dont know if theyre casuals or theyre bandwagons," Carlos Buenfil, who lives in Texas, said. I been here for the long haul and Ill stay here for the long haul
John Maynard did not expect the CEO of his company to resign suddenly, but he sure was welcoming it.
"About time," said Maynard. "The things he's been doing just doesn't sit right for me."
Maynard has worked at the Sterling Heights Assembly Plant for years and says the reign under CEO Carlos Tavares has left morale low.
"They're definitely very worried about the future, uncertain about things that's happening," Maynard said.
At his plant, 200 workers were laid off in September; another 1,100 were laid off a month later at the Warren Truck Assembly Plant. The company warned more could be on the way.
"Definitely needs to change. Seems all the information I've been getting, it's coming directly from him," said Maynard.
The United Auto Workers union has been vocal about their disapproval. President Sean Fain labeled it failed leadership in a statement:
The UAW welcomes the resignation of Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares, a major step in the right direction for a company that has been mismanaged and a workforce that has been mistreated for too long. For weeks, thousands of UAW members at Stellantis have been calling for the company to fire Carlos Tavares due to his reckless mismanagement of the company. We are pleased to see the company responding to pressure and correcting course. Tavares is leaving behind a mess of painful layoffs and overpriced vehicles sitting on dealership lots. We look forward to new Stellantis leadership that respects hardworking UAW members and is ready to keep its promise to America by investing in the people who build its products. We will keep using all means available to hold Stellantis accountable and enforce the contract we won in 2023, including advancing strikeable grievances until Stellantis keeps its investments and commitments to workers in Belvidere, Michigan, and beyond. We are looking forward to sitting down with the new CEO, backed up by thousands of UAW Stellantis members ready to take action, and discussing their plan to keep making world-class vehicles here in the United States.
Dealers nationwide also called for the resignation of Tavares in September.
"To me, the real surprise is that this did not happen several months ago," said John McElroy, Auto Industry Analyst with Autoline.
John McElroy of Autoline speaks about resignation of Carlos Tavares as Stellantis CEO
McElroy says high prices and low sales and having an impact.
"Dealers are in open revolt against Stellantis because it has products that are way too expensive, and dealers have way too much inventory on their lots. That's improving, but it's still a bad situation."
The search is already underway to replace Tavares as employees brace for what's next.
"It's been kinda iffy as to what really is going on. So, I don't know, we'll see," said Maynard.
Until a new CEO is named, a new Interim Executive Committee is running the automaker.
A local nonprofit is prepping to make sure 1,000 veterans feel appreciated this Christmas, one stuffed stocking at a time.
The Friday after Thanksgiving, a group of a little under 100 volunteers with Stockings 4 Soldiers gathered to fill the stockings with an assortment of goods from Chapstick to socks and even a Christmas card from an elementary school student.
I feel obligated. Its a part of my service to my country," volunteer and veteran Murray Davis said.
This will be the nonprofit's sixth year donating stockings to inpatients at Veterans Affairs hospitals across Michigan. This year, they are also donating to the Patriot Place in Gaylord and another VA hospital in Sandusky, Ohio.
We dont ask if theyre active duty or inactive duty. Theyre just veterans that are in the hospital on that given date, President Milt Bryant said.
The items will be delivered on Christmas Eve.
"The nurses say that thats the loneliest time for our veterans in the hospital on Christmas Eve, Bryant said.
Most of the volunteers Friday were veterans themselves like Dearborn Heights Mayor Bill Bazzi.
"It makes me feel really good because you see actually what goes in it and you see the other side, who ever receives it with a big smile on their face. It just gives me chills knowing that youre going to make somebodys day a lot better, Bazzi said.
Stockings 4 Soldiers is run off 100% volunteers and donations.
Gobble Gobble Give Detroit, a local nonprofit organization, hosted its annual Thanksgiving Day Event to support Detroit's homeless population.
As temperatures drop, the need for warm clothing, blankets, and food donations is critical.
Every day on the streets of Detroit, there are people with no place to call home. Jimmy Lee is one of them.
"I'm at Mack and Beaubien everyday holding a sign right there by the hospital," said Lee.
Lee said he didn't think he would eat anything on Thanksgiving. He was standing on his usual corner when a volunteer with Gobble Gobble Give Detroit stopped and gave him a meal.
"It made me feel really good. Im gonna get really full today. Thank you Jesus, said Lee.
The non-profit set up at Bert's Warehouse in Eastern Market where they have brought Thanksgiving to the homeless community since 2016.
"We've run out of food every year so there's definitely a big need all around the city so we hit the parks, bus, stations, train stations, anywhere we can find people in need a hot meal, some clean socks you know hat, gloves, hand warmers," said Organizer Bobby Bebout.
Volunteers like Maya Ayi with AlNur African Dance Detroit helping to meet their big goal of feeding at least 3,000 people in a matter of hours.
"I feel really really good, I feel fortunate, I feel blessed I'm able to do something that I'm able to help somebody else not just myself or my immediate family," said Ayi.
Chase with the Women's Emergency Shelter Operations Manager at the Detroit Healthy Housing Center says the needs grow with the colder weather so donations are coming at just the right time.
"Winter hats, coats, things of that, shoes, boots, anything that can help them with their needs. Winter months and stuff when they're not in the building when they're out trying to get their stuff together, get their place, get their housing, anything is always a blessing," said Chase.
For Jimmy Lee, it's the compassion behind the donation that makes the difference.
"We're not forgotten on Thanksgiving, that means a lot especially since my mom is gone," said Lee.
While he may not have everything, this Thanksgiving, he's extra grateful.
That's exactly why Gobble Gobble Give plans to keep coming back.
"We like to live by the motto ,if you can't find a good person, be one," said Bebout.
The long line was consistent all day at The Honey Baked Ham Company off Woodward Avenue in Ferndale the day before Thanksgiving.
Tyrell General was in line to get a smoked turkey for his family.
"I called my sister immediately and I said you didn't tell me it was going to be this long of a line out here," General said. "I would have been came and got it if I had known."
"It's really long, but it's been going pretty fast," said Jewell, who was in line with her brother and mom to get an extra ham for the unhoused.
The shop was so busy that some without pre-orders ended up walking away empty handed.
The last-minute push sprawled into parking lots at grocery stores across metro Detroit.
"We got basically everything. We got turkey, stuffing, white beans, greens, everything that you would basically have for Thanksgiving dinner," said Julian Purifoy, who was with his dad Roy grabbing items from the Holiday Market.
Julian Purifoy was was in town from New York, so they grabbed already cooked items to save time for their busy day. They planned to visit Frankenmuth, the Detroit Zoo lights and see "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" at the Fox Theatre.
Related video: What you need to know about safely cooking your turkey this Thanksgiving What you need to know about safely cooking your turkey this Thanksgiving
"It was crowded, lots of carts. It was lots of people going all over the place, but we love this area. The people that work here are very friendly and we got everything we needed," Julian Purifoy said.
At the the Holiday Market in Royal Oak, cranberries, turkey and stuffing were all in stock.
It was Susan Goethel Campbell's third and final store for the day.
"I'm on the very end of my shopping excursion that started yesterday," Campbell said. "I'm on my way to get pies after this."
Related video: Last-minute preparations underway for America's Thanksgiving Parade Last-minute preparations underway for America's Thanksgiving Parade
Draython Savoi enjoys the holiday rush of the crowds and had no trouble grabbing last-minute ingredients for his tasty peach cobbler.
"I actually came here two days ago. I cheated and I talked to them about what they were going to have and they said come Tuesday or latest come Wednesday morning because by Wednesday afternoon, forget about it," Savoi said. "It was pretty easy. I kind of like crowds, so my wife always says I'm crazy. For Christmas, I like going Christmas Eve when it's crazy."
It seems the social media posts of a local turkey farmer may be behind an unexpected boost in sales ahead of Thanksgiving.
Roperti's Turkey Farm in Livonia has been in the business of selling freshly dressed turkeys for 76 years.
"I spend a lot of money on feed, so when you feed something correctly, it's gonna taste correctly, so my turkeys are very juicy, flavorful and tasty," said owner Christine Roperti.
The farm typically sells out of its 4,000 birds in the days leading up to Thanksgiving.
After seeing a 16 percent decline in sales last year, this Thanksgiving, Roperti says they are seeing more customers and have already sold 4,100 turkeys.
"I think I might have maybe 50 left over this year," said Roperti who is still hoping to attract customers.
In 2023, there were enough left behind to be sold for Christmas.
"Now that I'm on TikTok, I've got a few more customers and more people are seeing it," Roperti said.
Roperti who loves purple, the Detroit Lions, and goes by "The Turkey Lady" on TikTok, says this year's sales may be a sign that the economy is getting slightly better.
According to The American Farm Bureau Federation's data, food inflation is down from last year.
Their research for a Thanksgiving meal of Turkey, cubed stuffing, sweet potatoes, dinner rolls, frozen peas, fresh cranberries, celery, carrots, pumpkin pie mix and crusts, whipping cream and whole milk for 10 will cost $58.08, down 5% from last year. However, this is still 19% higher than five years ago.
It's a trend some customers shopping for Thanksgiving say they've noticed.
"I am more concerned, so I shopped at different stores, used coupons," said Laura Lukasiewicz.
Lukasiewicz's husband suggested they shop locally at Roperti's for their turkey. She excitedly put the turkey in the trunk as she prepares to make dinner for a larger group than normal.
"He heard about fresh turkeys being better, she said.
Charlie Harris has traveled from Grosse Ille for the past four years to support the small business. His wife owns a small buisness in Wyandotte and understands how important local support can be.
Harris also picked up a turkey for another family.
"I really appreciate the opportunity to help a small business and get a nice size turkey," said Harris.
The overall cost of the Thanksgiving meal is something he has paid attention to.
"Over the last couple of years it has gone up quite a bit having a large family, there's eight of us, so it does hit the pocket book a little bit," said Harris. "I'm optimistic about the coming years and the price of food coming down. It's gonna be tight this year, but it's gonna be be all right."
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