Shop Local Chicago is gaining steam so I am reposting special events here with an active link for Unwrap Chicago this holiday season in support. Here’s a post I wrote in 2011 about the Buy Local movement and not much has changed except we need our local businesses more than ever and I share local information every day through my @ChiNeighbors Twitter feed and Chicago Community Showcase Facebook page. This holiday season if you’ll be shopping, make it local!
…and there’s lots going on around town to encourage everyone to shop small, shop local, shop where it matters!
The Southeast Chicago Commission is offering free South Side Shop Local coupon books to all who attend one of their kick off events on Small Business Saturday. These include: Daley’s Restaurant (809 E. 63rd St.) 8-9am; Harper Theater (5238 S. Harper Ave.) 10-11am; Red Apple Grocery Store (317 E. 51st St.) 11:30am-12:30pm; Faie Afrikan Art (1005 E. 43rdSt.) 1-2pm; Fort Smith (1007 E. 43rd St.) 1-2pm. Details here
ShopSmall Bridgeport features a number of local businesses with specials, a photobooth, and more from 9 am – 7 pm; start your visit at Hardscrabble, 3333 S. Halsted. Details here
The Wishcraft Workshop hosts a Makers Market featuring a number of local artists from 10 am – 4 pm for Small Business Saturday, at 3907 N. Damen. Details: here
The Chicago Urban League’s second annual Sip n’ Shop will host local retailers from the African American community on Small BusinessSaturday. The event is from 10am-6pm at 4510 S. Michigan Ave. For more information contact Gerardo Rodriguez at 773-624-8826. Details here
Bronzeville and Hyde Park are featuring businesses on 43rd Street from11am-6pm on Nov. 29 starting at Fort Smith (1007 E. 43rd St.). For more information on which businesses are being featured, visit www.qcdc.org.
Here’s what I reported on Shop Local in 2011. These shops are still open except for the House of Fine Chocolates. Let us know which businesses have replaced it.
The La Grange Business Association is rewarding shoppers with the chance to win local gift cards as part of the Unwrap La Grange campaign! Find out more at lgba.com
The Northalsted Business Alliance announces that the new NorthalstedGift Card goes on sale today. Join them from 11am – 2pm at Hydrate, 3458 N. Halsted, and earn a 20% BONUS! The Northalsted Gift Card is welcome at over 40 local businesses and growing!
The Mount Greenwood Community and Business Association is passing out free shop local bags to the first 75 shoppers they see in Mt. Greenwood! The bags are full of goodies from the local businesses.
The Jefferson Park Chamber of Commerce is having a Small BusinessSaturday photo contest! They challenge you to post your Small BusinessSaturday photos on their Facebook page. Be creative and if they like yours the best – they will send you a prize!
In Wicker Park, Free Range Office hosts a pop-up shop and business networking from 3-6 pm at 2141 W. North Ave. on the 2nd floor. Detailshere
Lincoln Square is celebrating Small Business Saturday with a makeover by interior designer Adam Zollinger, along Lincoln Avenue from Leland to Lawrence. The tree lighting will take place at 5 pm in Giddings Plaza.
Downtown Evanston hosts its tree lighting in Fountain Square at 5:30 pm, with entertainment, dining, and shopping specials happening all day long. Details: here