The Holidays are well on their way, and many of us are already window shopping, wishlist making, planning, anticipating, and mildly stressing about what to buy, where to go, or what to do, for what’s one of the busiest times of the year for many of us.
With the current economic lag we have been experiencing these past few years, as well as seeing Big Banking Business (epically fail) in the media spotlight, support to keep small businesses open and thriving has become a more apparent issue amongst everyday consumers.
Why should you shop local? Especially with Black Friday doorbusters, wicked online sales, and deals that you just can’ t refuse?
Buying from local small businesses directly impacts the community you live in. By spending money at your favorite local store could help a fellow neighbor earn a living, create new jobs, and lend a hand in after effects that make a greater impact within your neighborhood. Maybe the mom and pop store down the street made more money than they did the year before, and as a result, donated to their local schools, food to their local pantry, or toys to children in need. You don’t see Walmart doing that.
Another reason to shop local, is that The Black Friday bonanza, may just be another marketing myth after all. The Wall Street Journal recently reported that prices for popular items such as TVs, electronics, and popular toys actually increased as the holidays got closer.
If you’re looking for a unique gift, a warm-fuzzy feeling, and a direct contribution to the bigger picture, make an effort to shop local this season. Below are some of our favorite small businesses in the QCA. What are some of yours?
Eat and Drink:
The Quad Cities Farmer’s Market
Eastside Bakery (pizza and artwork oh my!)
Against The Grain Brewery
Bent River Brewing Company
Rock Island Brewing Company
Blue Cat Brew Pub
Cool Beans
Java Java
Theo’s Java Hut
Dead Poet’s Coffee
Downtown Central Perk
Whitey’s Ice Cream (duh.)
Lagomarcino’s
Lemongrass Cafe
Cafe Fresh
Boetje’s Mustard (because everyone needs that in their life)
Health:
Greatest Grains
Heritage Natural Foods
The Herb Cellar
Indigo Wellness Studio
HAndmade goods:
QC Collective
Mint Green
From The Roots Designs
Etsy- They have gift cards available for the first time this year!
The Painted Chair Shop
The Adventure Orange
Sis International Fair Trade
Printing:
DCI Print (for all of your printing needs)
Animals and Garden Stuffz:
Teskes Pet & Garden
QC Botanical Center
Vanerveer Conservatory
For A Good Read:
The Book Rack
Readmore Book World & Rock Shop
Tim’s Comic Corner
Mellow Blue Comics
For some tunes:
Mojo’s Cafe
Ragged Records
Mixtapes
Clothing:
Trash Can Annie Vintage Clothing
Movies:
Nova 6 Movie Theatre
Check out the artwork of:
Peptic Robot Press
Donna Lee
Regan Hatfield
Steve Banks
Heidi Hernandez
Jeff Tady
Heidi Sallows
Alexander Iaccarino
Carolyn Kreuger
Zach Cleve
Heather Anderson
Emma Farber
Glorie Iaccarino
Meghan Hollister
Les Bell (whose current body of work is for sale at Rozztox in Rock Island)
Renee Meyer Ernst
Tony Cavallo
Josh Masias
Jaye McGilvrey
Nice logo, and good suggestions, but just a comment. It’s hard to read small red type on a black background. But keep up the good work!
That’s crazy that you said that! I’v e been noticing that over the past few pots and debating on weather to change the link color to something different…Thanks for the input!