Detroit (WWJ)  -- Detroit Mayor Ken Cockrel joined members of the NAACP and the Booker T. Washington Business Association to kick off the "Shop Detroit" 2008 Campaign inside the Bazaar collection in midtown Detroit.

The goal of the campaign is to highlight the number of unique boutiques and smaller privately owned stores that are available around the city. 

“Yes, we may not have a shopping mall, an urban shopping mall, but I want you to be assured that this is something that we are continuing to work on,” said Cockrel. “We do boast a number of unique, flavorful, colorful shopping outlets here in the city.”

Participating stores are offering a $5 dollar discount coupon on a purchase of $25 dollars or more.

The coupons can be picked up at a nearby neighborhood City Halls. Also, through December 31, the City of Detroit is giving customers free meter parking for two hours.