In the open (doorless) corner spot near anchor JCPenney, J&S Jewelers offers gold, silver, diamonds, and other gemstones in all their fine forms—rings, earrings, chains, bracelets, body jewelry, and more. It’s a capital-intensive enterprise, but Mohammad Siryani, thirty-three, was “born into this.”

The MSU grad’s family owns several Fast Jewelers and Jordan Jewelers locations throughout Michigan, but this the first store of his own. He’s the “S” in the name; the “J” refers to his cousin, JJ Jonudi, who handles most of the day-to-day operations. Siryani is in the process of moving from Okemos to Ann Arbor, drawn to the city’s “vibe” from “lots of friends that went to U of M,” he says.

He believes he’s filling a need at Briarwood for an “authentic, small business jewelry store” at “one of the few malls in Michigan that’s up-and-coming.” He would’ve preferred a long-term lease, but he’s signed through 2026 and hopes to prove himself and become a fixture there.

“Whatever it is, there’s sentiment, there’s meaning” in the jewelry people choose for themselves or others, he says. “We’re in the business of bringing people happiness.”

Ear and nose piercing is available, as are jewelry repair and cleaning, ring sizing, and watch battery replacement. “No appointment needed,” he says. “While you’re in the mall doing other shopping, we’ll have your stuff ready for you.”

J&S Jewelers, Briarwood Mall. (734) 777–1906. Mon.–Sat. 10 a.m.–9 p.m., Sun. 11 a.m.–6 p.m.

Polyester is pervasive at Just Cozy, where shoppers have been
favoring sherpa blankets, long-sleeved shirts, and fleece-lined leggings, according to store manager Niccolle Williams.

Thermal socks, scarves, stocking caps, and mittens help round out the winter selection, but Williams says the Canadian-based company is not just seasonal. They stock regular leggings, capris, biker shorts, and short-sleeved tunic tops as well. Sizes range from kids 2 to adult XXXL.

All items are priced the same, which is normally $20, but storewide sales have knocked that down to $10 or $15 of late.

Williams, of Canton Township, previously worked at their Great Lakes Crossing outlet but jumped at the chance for a shorter commute and a promotion to lead the staff of four. “A very good deal,” she says with a smile.

Just Cozy, Briarwood Mall center court. Mon.–Sat. 10 a.m.–9 p.m., Sun. 11 a.m.–6 p.m. shopjustcozy.com

At the walk-up corner counter near Von Maur, where Surf City Squeeze was a fixture for decades, Sip Coffee Cafe is now in business. Considering it’s in one of the tiniest berths in Briarwood, the breadth of its menu is impressive.

In addition to the coffee bar and specialty drinks, it offers a slate of fourteen sandwiches (the priciest is the steak panini on sourdough for $8.02) and build-your-own options. Bakery items include sweet and savory croissants, “cinnabites,” cake slices, and more.

Sip’s other location is in Novi’s Twelve Oaks Mall. Owner Rick Awdish was too busy at the grill to speak at length during an impromptu visit, and a promised phone call never materialized.

Sip Coffee Cafe, Briarwood Mall. Mon.–Sat. 10 a.m.–9 p.m., Sun. 11 a.m.–
6 p.m.

Hollister Co. is back in Briarwood after a twelve-year absence. The casual brand, owned by Abercrombie & Fitch, is aimed at teens and young adults in search of sweatpants, jeans, hoodies, and other comfortable fashion basics and accessories.

On a recent visit, the store’s background music didn’t interfere with an interview, not just because it was mellower than most modern pop, but because staffers weren’t cleared to speak with the media, an assistant manager politely explained.

Succeeding Go! Calendars, Toys & Games, which has reverted to a pop-up presence in the main corridor, Hollister’s sizable store sits in the mall’s east side, which has more changes in the offing.

Related: A Briarwood Pop-Up Gets a Place of Its Own

The spaces surrounding the former Sears entrance are walled off for now, but an employee of a nearby shop says construction workers have told her they’re working on bigger digs for Apple. It’s plausible as far as hearsay goes; Bloomberg reported in 2023 (paywall) that the tech titan considered moving to the east-side Arbor Hills Shopping Center. An associate at Apple’s centrally located current store says they’ve been told nothing, and mall representatives neither confirmed nor denied the Apple move in response to an email inquiry.

Hollister Co., Briarwood Mall. (734) 228–1355. Mon.–Sat. 10 a.m.–9 p.m., Sun. 11 a.m.–6 p.m. hollisterco.com

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