Don't forget Ferndale this holiday season

FERNDALE – When doing your holiday shopping this season, don't forget that the dollars you spend support the community you spend them in. That's why LGBT holiday shoppers would be wise to spend their money in Ferndale, one of Michigan's most LGBT-friendly cities.
Ferndale is home to two LGBT book and gift shops, and with the economy still in a slump, independent retailers are often the hardest hit during the holiday shopping season. Having to compete with large chain stores like Borders doesn't help. It makes sense for the community represented by Just For Us and A Woman's Prerogative Bookstore to support them year round, especially around the holidays.
Amy Blake, owner of A Woman's Prerogative Bookstore, said that the hoilday shopping season really has only begun, but already there are some items that have been been selling well this season. Ellen DeGeneres' new book "The Funny Thing Is…" and "A Family Affiar," a new lesbian romantic comedy on DVD are standouts in the multimedia department. The store also carries a variety of Laurel Burch gift items. "She does a lot of work with cats like ceramic cat lamps and cat vases," said Blake. For the holidays AWP has ornaments: rainbow themed, cats and dogs, "and a very cute cow." They also have cute pet stuff like cat and dog dishes and holiday-themed cat and dog bandanas.
Michael Lary at Just For Us said they have "plenty of stuff" when it comes to gift seekers. A standout seller is Gayopoly, a new board game. "It's fun. It's similar to Monopoly but it's geared toward gay and lesbian people," said Lary. If you're looking for something a little light hearted, Just For Us carries the Bad Taste Bears. "They're funny," said Lary. "One of them has his coat open and he's flashing for example." Just For Us also carries calendars and greeting cards by 10 Percent Productions.
When shopping this holiday season, Lary said, "Just don't forget Ferndale."