By Josh Usmani
Every year, shoppers in Northeast Ohio seem to become more and more conscious about shopping local during the holiday season (and year round). The statistics prove how important it is to our local economy. According to the 3/50 Project, a grassroots effort to promote shopping locally across the country, for every $100 spent in locally-owned, independent stores, $68 returns to the community through taxes, payroll, etc.
However, spending that same $100 at a national chain results in only $43 staying in the local economy. Additionally, the same $100 spent online (potentially) returns nothing to our economy.
The 3/50 Project also explains that if just half the employed population of the US spent $50 each month in locally-owned, independent businesses, it would generate more than $42.6 billion in annual revenue. That would be roughly $30 billion staying in local economies. That’s just $600 per year; the average Christmas budget is estimated to be between $750-1,000.
Numbers are one thing, but the human aspect is another issue all together. When you buy local, you’re putting money directly into the hands of your neighbors – who will hopefully put it into the hands of other neighbors. Shopping local allows your neighbors to enjoy their holidays, too. It’s another opportunity to give back to your community this holiday season.
Aside from our ShopLOCAL Guide, which we’ve updated for you, we’ve compiled a chronological list of upcoming holiday pop-up markets to help you coordinate your holiday shopping:
LEAF Community Holiday Market
Tue 12/10 from 5:30-8pm
Lakewood Earth & Food Community (LEAF) presents dozens of local farmers and vendors featuring local produce (including City Fresh’s holiday share pick up), crafts, gifts, baked goods, honey, flowers and much more. Ohio Direction cards are proudly accepted and they will offer Double Value Produce Perks for both of these markets. LEAF Cooks cookbooks will benefit Lakewood Public Schools.
Made in the 216 Holiday Shoppe
Fri 11/29 – Tue 12/24
Be sure to stop into R/S Cleveland for the ever-popular Made in the 216 Holiday Shoppe, featuring a curated assortment of locally crafted goodies — jewelry, kids items, fashion, art & other products on the cutting edge of design. Experience a slice of Cle’s creative culture.
Cleveland Bazaar – formerly Bazaar Bizarre
East Show: Fri 11/29 + Sat 11/30 from 10am – 5pm at Larchmere
Ohio City: Sat 12/7 from 10am – 4pm
West Show: Sat 12/14 @ 10am – 9pm + Sun 12/15 @ 10am – 6pm at 78th Street Studios
While they may have a new name, the Cleveland Bazaar is Northeast Ohio’s longest running indie craft show. The East Show will be a smaller, Black Friday edition. The West Show will feature over 100 vendors spread over 2 floors throughout 78th Street Studios. Both events are free and open to the public.
Crafty Mart
Sat 11/30 @ 10am – 5pm
50+ local vendors will be selling handmade goods at Musica and We Gallery in the heart of Downtown Akron (across the street from the Akron Art Museum) at this year’s Crafty Mart. Show up early for special offers, free samples, stickers and other freebies from sponsors (while supplies last). Food and drink for sale at Urban Eats and Uncorked Wine Bar. Free photobooth in We Gallery provided courtesy of Magnolia Photo Booth Company. There will be a DJ spinning soul and Motown favorites all day. Free parking on the street and in the Main Library Parking Deck on the SW corner of High Street and Market Street.
Christmas Around the World Craft Fest
Fri 11/29 – Sun 12/1
Medina County Community Center hosts 70+ juried artisans, holiday demos, door prizes, visits with Santa, great food and more. Friday 10am-5pm, Saturday 10am-4pm, Sunday 10am-3pm. General admission is $5 for adults, $4 for seniors 60+, $2 for children ages 6-12 and free for children 5 & under.
Akron Holiday Market at Lock 3
Fri 11/29 – Tue 12/31
This year’s Holiday Market features the return of German craftsmen from Akron’s sister city of Chemmnitz, Germany, as well as dozens of local craftsmen and artisans. Local vendors include Litwick Candle Company, Homemade Delights, Highland Baking and Pushing Tin Studio, TinderCraft Ceramics, ReTread, Kre8ivLizard and Downtown Akron Partnership. Open weekends 11/29-12/24; Saturdays 11am-9pm, Sundays 11am-6pm, Tuesday 12/24 11am-4pm, Tuesday 12/31 11am-11pm.
Pop Up Shaker
Sat 11/30 – Sun 12/15
Stop by Shaker Square and take part in Pop Up Shaker, a sequence of various vendors “popping up” in the neighborhood and selling their goods for a limited time. Find vendors selling crafts, food, art and everything in between.
Cleveland Handmade Markets
Sat 11/30 @ 3- 7pm at Winterfest
Sat 12/7 @ 10am – 6pm at Tower Press
Sat 12/21 @ 10am – 6pm at Last Minute Market @ Screw Factory
Cleveland Handmade offers a series of exciting pop-up markets featuring dozens of local artisans. The Cleveland Gift Box is a pop-up market at the 5th Street Arcade is part of Winterfest. Before the annual lighting ceremony in public square, stop by for dozens of local vendors, in addition to all of the Arcade’s current residents.
The Tower Press Market will feature dozens of independent, local creators. Free off-street parking is available in the lot next to/behind the building.
The Last Minute Market at the Screw Factory is unique one-day shopping destination featuring over 100 jury-selected artists and craftspeople from Cleveland and throughout the region. In addition, the artists’ studios throughout the building will be holding an open house, offering a look at their creative process and an opportunity to purchase their work directly.
St Monica Christmas Craft Fair
Sat 11/30 @ 9am – 3pm
This annual craft fair boasts 100 tables of hand-crafted and unique items. Kids can visit Santa from 10am-2pm (don’t forget your camera). The event will also feature a 50/50 raffle, hourly craft raffles and food in their café. Admission for adults is $1 and kids are free.
H&S Shopping Gala
Tue 12/3 @ 4-9pm
This gala features more than 50 artisans and unique holiday vendors, as well as a gift-quality bake sale, Gala Café and raffles. $2 admission.
Beary Merry Christmas Show
Wed 12/4 + Thu 12/5 @ 11am – 9pm
Held at Normandy Party Center in Wickliffe. This 28th annual show features artisans from Ohio and Pennsylvania, holiday entertainment nightly, a deluxe raffle, door prizes every hour. Lunch and dinner will be available. Admission is $3 – benefiting the Susan G Komen for the Cure NE Ohio affiliate.
All I Want for Christmas – Ladies Night Out & Holiday Boutique
Wed 12/4 + Thu 12/5 @ 6 – 9pm
Held at Alta House. Round up your girlfriends for an evening of local vendors, hors d’oeuvres, wine tastings, raffles and a special signature cocktail. Complimentary valet parking will be available from MVP Valet. All proceeds benefit Alta House. Tickets are $10 in advance, $12 at the door.
Home for the Holidays Christmas Faire
Thu 12/5 – Sat 12/7
Held at Lake County Historical Center, this event includes over 55 trees, miles of garland and decorations in an 8,000 sq ft 1876 historical building. Dine at the Christmas Canteen. This is the only place in Ohio to hear a collection of 1900’s music boxes. Admission is $2, free parking.
Silver Bells Holiday Boutique
Sat 12/7 @ 8:30am – 3pm
Timmons Elementary School in Chagrin Falls will be filled with over 70 professional artists, catered food, holiday cookies, a kids’ craft workshop, raffle baskets, holiday trees & greenery, Trees include Frasier, Douglas & Concolor Firs, Blue Spruce and Pines). FREE and open to the public.
Winter Wonderland Holiday Extravaganza Craft Fair & Pancake Breakfast
Sat 12/7 @ 9am – 4pm
Auburn Career Center in Concord Township fills with 60+ local crafters and vendors – featuring jewelry, stained glass, knitting, crocheting, dog treats, sweet holiday treats, candles, garden décor, soaps, lotions, paper crafts, window art, floral arrangements, pet products, painted glass, Christmas décor, jams/jellies, dolls and more! This event also features a Chinese auction, face painting, children’s crafts and a special visit from Santa himself. Admisson is FREE.
Cookie Walk
Sun 12/8 @ noon-4:30pm
Cookies and Handmade candy at Mount Zion Congregational Church.
Tremont Brewhaha Pop-Up Shop & Party
Fri 12/13 @ 6-10pm
This year’s Brewhaha, part of the Tremont Art Walk’s year-long 20th Anniversary celebration, takes place in the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church Grand Ball Room as part of December’s Art Walk. This pop up shop features Tremont Arts & Cultural Festival artisans and Famers’ Market vendors. There will be a craft beer cash bar and live music from Rachel Brown and The Beatnik Boys from 7-10pm. FREE admission, parking in the church lot and trolley rides around the neighborhood from 7-10:30.
Carnival Couture
Fri 12/13 @ 5 – 10pm
Sat 12/14 @ 10am – 7pm
Sun 12/15 @ noon – 5pm
This weekend-long event in Warrensville Heights includes dozens of local exhibitors, wine, appetizers and more. Admission is $2.
Inspired by Nature Craft Show
Sat 12/14 @ 9:30am-5pm
This unique, one-day-only event features handmade crafts inspired by or made from material found in the natural world. This show takes place at the Rocky River Nature Center, and is FREE and open to the public.
2013 East Side Winter Avant-Garde Art & Craft Show
Sun 12/15 @ noon-5:30pm
This show in Solon boasts over 100 artists and crafters selling their handmade items, as well as a concession stand and full bar. A portion of the proceeds benefit the NE Ohio Make-A-Wish Foundation. Admission is $3 for adults and free for children under 12.
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With so many free and inexpensive events all over town, it’s easy to shop local this year. Don’t forget about all the “brick-and-mortar” local merchants throughout Northeast Ohio. Details vary by event. See websites for more details.
What did we miss? Are you organizing a holiday market? Do you or someone you know have work in a pop up shop/market that we didn’t mention? Send us all the info (with a link to the event) and we’ll add it to the list. Email EventsATCoolCleveland.com or hit us up on Facebook or Twitter.
[Photo via Cleveland Bazaar]
Josh Usmani is a 27 year old local artist, curator and writer. Since 2008, his work has been featured in over 50 local and regional exhibitions.