Della's

For residents of Ann Arbor, Michigan, and indeed across the state, Della's stands out as a truly special destination. While it is often described as a "gift shop," this vibrant establishment offers so much more, seamlessly blending a curated selection of unique gifts with an extensive range of beauty supplies, particularly catering to textured hair. Della's isn't just a place to buy products; it’s a community hub, created with a clear vision to provide a welcoming, inclusive, and informed shopping experience that resonates deeply with its local clientele.

More than a typical retail space, Della's has quickly become a beloved staple in downtown Ann Arbor. Its commitment to sourcing products from women-owned and Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) owned businesses adds a layer of purpose to every purchase, allowing Michigan shoppers to support a wider ecosystem of entrepreneurs. It’s a place where you can find that perfect, thoughtful present or the exact beauty product you've been searching for, all while feeling genuinely cared for and welcomed.

Della's is conveniently located at 313 S State St Suite #6, Ann Arbor, MI 48104, USA. This address places it right in the heart of downtown Ann Arbor, a bustling and vibrant area known for its unique shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions. Its central location makes it highly accessible for University of Michigan students, local residents, and visitors alike.

The store is situated on the second floor, next door to Sweetgreen. While there is no elevator access, the location is easy to find by taking the stairs, and customers are encouraged to call if they need assistance. For parking, metered street parking is often available on South University Street and East Liberty, as well as on State Street when construction isn't a factor. The closest parking structure is conveniently located at 324 Maynard St, ensuring that despite its downtown setting, reaching Della's is a manageable endeavor for Michigan shoppers.

Its downtown presence also means it's easily reachable for those using public transportation, further enhancing its accessibility for the local community.

Della's provides a distinct array of products and services, primarily focusing on beauty supplies and unique gift items. Their offerings are thoughtfully curated to meet specific community needs:

• Textured Hair Products: This is a core focus, with a wide variety of shampoos, conditioners, stylers (including gels and edge control), and treatments specifically formulated for Afro-centric and curlier hair patterns. Customers consistently praise the selection for its effectiveness and range, filling a significant gap in the local market.
• Hair Extensions & Tools: Beyond products, Della's stocks hair extensions, hair tools, and accessories necessary for various hairstyles, including protective styles like braids and faux locs.
• General Beauty Supplies: While specializing in textured hair, they also offer a selection of general beauty essentials for skin and overall personal care, allowing customers to "source the majority of skin...and beauty essentials."
• Unique Gift Items: Della's is also a dedicated "gift shop," offering an eclectic range of novelty gift items. Many of these are intentionally sourced from women-owned and/or BIPOC-owned businesses, making it easy for customers to find something unique and supportive of marginalized communities.
• Jewelry & Accessories: A selection of jewelry and other personal accessories is available, perfect for adding a touch of flair or for thoughtful gifting.
• Free Hair Assessments: Della's partners with local salons, like Original Moxie, to offer free hair assessments via pop-ups. This service allows community members to receive personalized guidance on caring for their textured hair in a safe and welcoming environment.
• Community Resources & Education: Beyond retail, Della's aims to be a resource for the community by providing educational opportunities about textured hair care.
• Online Shopping with In-Store Pickup: For convenience, customers can browse and purchase items online and pick them up at the physical store, streamlining the shopping process.

Della's stands out in the Ann Arbor retail landscape due to several remarkable features that resonate strongly with its local customers:

• Specialization in Textured Hair Products: This is a critical highlight. As customer reviews attest, finding a diverse and reasonably priced selection of products for Afro-centric and curlier hair patterns is "super hard" in Ann Arbor. Della's fills this void beautifully, offering products that genuinely work and are accessible.
• Warm & Inclusive "Auntie" Atmosphere: The owner, Sheena McCullers, intentionally designed the space to feel like "a Black auntie's living room" – cozy, welcoming, and a "safe space" where "anyone can ask questions, share their thoughts, or give hugs." This creates an incredibly personal and comforting shopping experience.
• Exceptional & Personalized Customer Service: Reviewers consistently rave about the "friendly fast service" and the "super sweet, very attentive" staff who "genuinely wanted to help." One customer specifically noted getting "personal help with my specific hair pattern for gel/edge control," which resulted in a product that "worked BEAUTIFULLY." This level of personalized care is a significant differentiator.
• Support for BIPOC & Women-Owned Businesses: A substantial portion of Della's inventory (over 35% of hair products and 70% of gift items) is sourced from women-owned and BIPOC-owned brands. This commitment allows customers to make purchases that align with their values and support diverse entrepreneurs.
• Community Engagement & Empowerment: Della's goes beyond retail by employing and mentoring BIPOC students from the University of Michigan and contracting students and community members for various projects. They are actively involved in keeping dollars circulating within the Ann Arbor community and educating members about textured hair.
• "Good Vibes" & "Well Kept" Store: Customers describe the store as having "good vibes" and being "super well kept and clean," contributing to a pleasant and inspiring shopping environment. The "lively aura, vibrant colored walls, and an infectiously-good playlist" add to this inviting atmosphere.

While specific, publicly advertised "promotions" in the traditional sense might not be as frequently broadcast as larger chain stores, Della's commitment to value and community means they engage with customers in ways that often translate to benefits and special opportunities:

• Member Rewards: One customer review specifically mentioned being "made sure we used our member rewards." This indicates Della's likely has a loyalty program that offers benefits, discounts, or exclusive access to members. Inquiring about this in-store is recommended for locals.
• In-Store Expert Advice: The personalized help and free hair assessments offered by the knowledgeable staff can be seen as a significant "value-added service" that saves customers time and money by ensuring they purchase the right products for their needs.
• Supporting Local & Diverse Businesses: While not a discount, the intentional sourcing from BIPOC and women-owned brands provides an inherent "value" in supporting ethical and community-focused commerce, which many Michigan consumers prioritize.
• New Product Launches: Due to their curated nature, new product arrivals from unique brands can often feel like a special event or "offer" for customers seeking specific or hard-to-find items.
• Community Events/Pop-ups: Their partnership with local salons for free hair assessments suggests they may host other community-focused events or pop-ups that could include special deals or educational opportunities.

For the most current information on any promotions or special events, it is best for Ann Arbor locals to visit Della's in person, follow their social media channels, or inquire directly with their friendly staff.

For any inquiries, to confirm product availability, or to simply connect with the welcoming team at Della's, Michigan residents can use the following contact details:

Address: 313 S State St Suite #6, Ann Arbor, MI 48104, USA

Phone: (734) 474-9769

Email: info@auntiedellas.com

It is always recommended to check their official website or social media for the most up-to-date hours of operation, especially around holidays, as a small business's hours can sometimes vary.

For the Michigan community, particularly those in Ann Arbor, Della's is an exceptional and highly suitable local business. It addresses a specific need for high-quality, accessible beauty products for textured hair, a niche often overlooked by larger retailers. This focus alone makes it invaluable to a significant portion of the population.

Beyond its specialized product offerings, Della's thrives on its strong community ethos. The intentional creation of a warm, inclusive, and "safe space" where customers feel genuinely cared for and understood sets it apart. The consistently positive reviews highlighting the personalized service, the friendly staff, and the commitment to supporting BIPOC and women-owned brands underscore its role as a socially conscious and community-driven enterprise.

Della's offers a refreshing alternative to the "big box stores," providing a unique "treasure hunt" experience for gifts while simultaneously being a reliable source for essential beauty items. It's a place where shoppers can not only find great products at reasonable prices but also feel a sense of belonging and contribute to a supportive local economy. For any Michigan resident looking for exceptional service, unique finds, and a genuinely good vibe, Della's in Ann Arbor is an absolute must-visit.