New businesses 'spring' up in Plymouth
Lester L. Holmes, Jr.
April 17th, 2008

The change of season is bringing more than warmth and sunlight to the Plymouth community as several new businesses are calling the area home.

From antique stores to pastry shops, investors are showing confidence in the Plymouth and Plymouth Township municipalities despite a slowing state and national economy.

"(It) shows there is some vibrancy, investment in the community," said Wes Graff, the executive director of the Plymouth Community Chamber of Commerce who has been invited to at least three "ribbon-cutting" and grand opening ceremonies in the past several weeks.

One such business, Batteries Plus, located in Plymouth Township said the Plymouth community has been on their list for a long time.

"It's the right mixture of retail, commercial and industrial we're looking for," said Mike Brunhild the owner of Ann Arbor Road battery store. Brunhild, who also owns another battery store in Farmington Hills, said he expects his new western Wayne County location to do just as well as his Oakland County Store.

"People will always need batteries," he quipped.

Just as the spring is an exciting time for new businesses in the community, more established merchants and restaurateurs could also take advantage.

The chamber along with the City of Plymouth Downtown Development Authority recently sponsored a spring weekend sale in Plymouth. The DDA, along with several downtown merchants, are sponsoring the Plymouth Bridal Stroll, an event to feature the various services available to brides-to-be organizing their weddings in Plymouth.

The stroll will begin at noon in Kellogg Park.

Graf said more often merchants and business service organizations in the community are working together to create projects to draw attention to local businesses.

"I think it's a good trend for a tough economy," Graf added.