THE MAKER CITY presents
SHOP LOCAL THIS HOLIDAY SEASON
Being The Maker City, Knoxville has an abundance of talented craftspeople, makers, designers, and artists of all kinds creating one-of-a-kind pieces. We encourage you to shop local and give handmade items year round. Each piece comes with a story about who made it and how it was made. It also feels good to support Knoxville and its small-scale manufacturers.
Economic studies have shown year after year that when we shop local, we’re ensuring that our dollar is going at least three times farther in our community than when we buy from big-box retailers. More than the economics, the experience of shopping local differs greatly.
Paris Woodhull, manager/buyer at local maker-retailer Rala and creator of Paris Woodhull Illustrations says in her experience, “People want to buy from a local shop or maker because they are dealing with real people, that they can see and recognize their faces.”
Matthew Cummings, owner of Pretentious Glass and Brewing Company, says, “Shop local because you are giving your neighbors the opportunity to do what they love! To share my passion with someone else, to make a glass that they will treasure, or to introduce them to a beer that they have never tasted before; and to be able to keep making things.”
Tanika Harper of Harper’s Naturals Skin Care Products shops local, even when it comes to her company expenses. “I have made a vow to myself to support local business at least three times per week for either my personal or business needs. Shopping small and supporting local is the only way many of these start-up companies can and will survive. I understand that and that is why I make it a priority to support those in and around my community.”
Ways to shop local this season
Throughout this holiday season, markets, craft fairs, and handmade art will be popping up all over. The local buying options we mention below are just a few of the many that exist. Keep your eyes peeled for other events on Facebook and in community calendars.
FOOTHILLS CRAFT GUILD ANNUAL SHOW
NOV. 17-19 | JACOB BUILDING AT CHILHOWEE PARK, 3301 E. MAGNOLIA AVE.
FRI & SAT 10 AM - 6 PM | SUN 10 AM - 4 PM
What a great time to shop for unique gifts! Over 160 booths of fabulous fine crafts made according to very specific standards for quality workmanship, all representing the Tennessee region.
The Holiday Retropolitan Craft Market
Nov. 19 | Jackson Terminal, 213 W JACKSON AVE | 10AM-5PM
The Retropolitan Craft Fair has been bringing indie-craft markets to the Knoxville area twice a year since 2014. Each vendor is chosen carefully and curated based on one-of-a-kind products, creativity and retropolitan swagger. For the gifts that make people say, “Where did you find that?”
2017 Market Square Holiday Market
EACH SATURDAY IN DEC. BEFORE CHRISTMAS | MARKET SQUARE | 11-5PM
You can find an array of locally made products, handicrafts, works of art, and all things in-between. Besides, who doesn’t love getting local honey or a toasty hand pie as a holiday treat?
Looking for something or someone specific?
Introducing The Maker City Holiday Gift Guide! Browse our list of local makers, artisans and small businesses to find the perfect handmade gift for someone you love - or yourself. Our Maker Directory is organized so you can easily search for makers and holiday gifts like home decor, cozy handmade accessories, pet presents, original artwork, and many more. All are handmade in Knoxville.