Talk ‘shop’ at Thanksgiving to support local makers
So it’s Thanksgiving Day and maybe the conversation is wearing a little thin. You’ve exhausted the weather and bragged on the kids’ accomplishments. Hashed over the dishes weighing down the table. And you can’t talk politics without a potential food fight.
Here’s something to chat about: holiday shopping and why it’s important to shop local!
Before the kinfolk head out for Black Friday, make sure they know why it matters to frequent local businesses and support our East Tennessee makers.
Here are some thoughts you can share:
When you spend your money in a locally owned and staffed enterprise – a store, restaurant or bar -- that money remains in the Knoxville economy. Don Bruce, a professor and economist with the Boyd Center for Business and Economic Research at UT, says that makes a big impact compared to spending money at a national chain owned by distant owners. A study cited on Forbes.com says that 45 percent of revenue spent at locally owned businesses stays in that community while only 14 percent of the money spent at a chain store stays.
Downtown Knoxville is busy and vibrant, and that matters to the whole city. According to stats from the TN Department of Revenue for the Knoxville Central Business Improvement District, downtown revenue growth has exceeded city growth for five years running, says Michele Hummel with Downtown Knoxville. Downtown revenues are up more than 50% in the past five years compared to 21% for the city as a whole. Keep coming downtown!
Downtownknoxville.org does its best to host special events (think First Friday ArtWalks, etc.) to draw people downtown. Up next is the Elf on the Shelf Adventure , which aims to attract families to downtown businesses to search for those sneaky critters. Maybe some of the kids around your table will want to check it out.
There are lots of local stores that sell products from local makers, including ACF + Friends, Rala, Jacks of Knoxville, Knoxville Chocolate Co. and Bradley’s, Southern Market and Architectural Antics. And others you might not think of, like the Knoxville Museum of Art gift shop, Mighty Mud and Three Rivers Market. But also, don’t forget the markets that are coming up:
Hi-Wire Brewing Holiday Pop-Up! Market, 10AM-4PM, Nov. 23.
Old City Market, 11AM-4PM, Nov. 30, Dec. 14.
Retropolitan Craft Fair, 11AM-6PM, Nov. 24.
REI Knoxville Maker Market, 9AM-5PM Dec. 7 in the parking lot.
Market Square Holiday Markets, 10AM-2PM, Dec. 7, 14 and 21.
Ijams Holiday Marketplace, 11AM-4PM, Dec. 8.
Magnolia Avenue Makers Market, 11 am-3 pm Dec. 15
And whatever you do, don’t forget to brag on The Maker City’s online holiday gift guide and maker directory. Both allow for easy and local gift giving without leaving your favorite recliner. And that’s something the relatives might want to know if they’re too full of turkey to move.
“If we don’t support our local businesses and makers,” Don said, “they won’t be here. When we have a chance to redirect our spending during a major shopping event like Christmas, that’s a terrific opportunity to support our neighbors and a vibrant city.”