As we approach the holiday season, there is always a lot of buzz about shopping local. In this day and age, it is definitely a whole lot easier to shop great Cyber Monday deals on Amazon and millions of other online retailers – but there is a huge advantage to your community when you shop locally.

Not only do your dollars support a local business, but these businesses are likely to purchase from other local businesses and service providers. In fact, for every $100 spent at an independent business, $68 of local economic activity is generated, compared to $48 in local economic activity if you were to spend your $100 at a big box retailer.

Traverse City offers numerous opportunities to support local businesses, as well as charities, while doing your holiday shopping. Check out some of these great events and support our Traverse City community!

AC PAW is getting ready for their annual Christmas Craft Show on Saturday, November 4 at the Williamsburg Event Center. A fun day for the family features over 50 local craft vendors, door prizes, a pet microchipping clinic, photos with Santa Paws, a bake sale, and more – all to support one of our local animal rescues!

Shop Your Community Day takes place on Saturday, November 11, and allows you to support your local businesses AND your favorite nonprofit organization. For every purchase you make at a participating merchant in downtown Traverse City, 15% of your purchase will be donated to the organization of your choice.

The annual Traverse City Shop & Sip is taking over the Grand Traverse Resort on Saturday, November 18. This event will feature over 60 local vendors as well as two full bars to enjoy while you shop!

Downtown Traverse City also offers Ladies’ Shopping Night on December 7 and Men’s Shopping Night on December 14. These nights will feature food, refreshments, and specials for your holiday shopping needs at various merchants downtown.

There are many more opportunities to shop local and support your community. These are just some of the highlights! We hope to see you at one of these awesome events!