christmas shopping

Downtown Home & Garden, an Ann Arbor business more than a century old, is closing its doors December 24. The store’s owner, Kelly Vore, cited financial pressures as the reason for the closure.

As families prepare to deck the halls and trim the tree, they may be in for a rude awakening: up to 80% of holiday decorations are manufactured in China, making them vulnerable to price hikes sparked by escalating tensions between the US and Chinese governments.

“This end of season storm could strongly impact what happens to our retailers...whether they end the year in the black or in the red," said Andrea Bitely, a Michigan Retailers Association spokeswoman.

The holiday shopping season is about to move into high gear.Michigan Retailers Association spokeswoman Meegan Holland says a recent survey shows store…