By Teddy Rydquist

Leader Staff Writer

Celebrating its tenth year, Small Business Saturday always takes place on the Saturday after Thanksgiving – Nov. 30 this year.

Initially established as a counterpunch to Black Friday and Cyber Monday’s pump-up of large retailers, Small Business Saturday celebrates the unique successes that make America great during one of the busiest shopping periods of the year. Starting this week, and going through the holiday shopping season, The Leader will highlight reasons to support your community’s local businesses, versus spending money online or in big box mega stores.

This week we focus on Great Lakes Mercantile, 8 S. Washington, Street. Nestled on the east side of Washington

St., about halfway between the GQT Oxford 7 movie theater and Red Knapp’s American Grill, Great Lakes Mercantile is proudly featured on the Pure Michigan website.

Nearing their 20th anniversary of opening, the shop has maintained its Northern Michigan roots. It’s owned and operated by Dora Rolando.

“We (Dora and her late husband, Ron) purchased this building in 1992 and it took us ten years, 2002, to get everything up and going,” Dora said.

“My husband was very involved until his passing and now I’m fortunate to have my daughter, Dawn, helping me run everything.”

Ron passed away in April 2018 at the age of 76 after 55 years of marriage.

From the start, however, the pair set out to make their business different from any other, best ensuring their success.

“We didn’t want to be just an antique store or any one thing. We wanted that to be a part of what we offer, but also have much more.”

Looking around the store, it is clear Dora and Ron executed what they set out to accomplish. Ranging from tiles to children’s books to Michigan-grown wines, Great Lakes Mercantile has a piece of everything that represents Michigan.

“We’re the largest retailer of Pewabic Tile in Detroit and we are also one of a handful of places to carry Isle Royale greenstone,” Dora pointed out.

“Divers have to go out and collect the greenstone. Our governor (William Milliken) declared it our official state gem in 1973.”

Strong supporters of Michigan companies and longtime active members in downtown Oxford, the Rolando family’s community involvement will soon be acknowledged publicly, too.

A recognition of all she and her family have done for the village, Dora will serve as the Grand Marshal of the Annual Chamber of Commerce Christmas Parade on Dec. 7.

“I’ll be up there waving,” she said. “Don’t be afraid to wave back!”