Edmonton is fortunate enough to have a number of small local businesses making up our community. Here's a list of 8 businesses that I'll be supporting this Christmas and I'd recommend you check them out too:
1. Hideout Distro : Hideout is a female owned business that supports young and emerging designers across Canada. The business, located on 124st, has been instrumental in the development on many brands. Hideout features products by Setsuna, Copper Cherry (like these packs), Northern Habitat, and many other unique items. They also have an online shop.
2. Majesty and Friends : Majesty and Friends is another female owned business that also supports a wide variety of new designers. Proud to represent the North Side on 107 Ave, be sure to check out the statement mugs, Edmonton-centric designs, and enough pins to build a collection. These Edmonton-Inspired trading cards are a favorite of mine.
3. Glass Bookshop : Founded by Jason Purcell and Matthew Stepanic, Glass Bookshop is a new space in Edmonton, Alberta, that focuses on Canadian writing with special attention paid to LGBTQ2SIA and IBPOC writers, as well as the independent publishers who help to produce their work. I'm currently reading "On Nostalgia" by David Berry.
4. Royal Bison : The infamous Strathcona Design/Craft Sale has moved online for the winter season. This is the third online event run by Royal Bison, but this one will be the biggest yet with over 100 vendors, including many new ones. Here's a list of all the vendors, but some of my favorites include Smokey Draws, Stranger Studio, Simpo Goods, and Babby Dolls. Online for over 12 days, expect to see new product releases over the full stretch. Shop early and shop often!
5. Rosso Pizza : Giving a gift card to a local restaurant for a date night or family pizza adventure is a great stocking stuffer. Rosso makes some of the best pizza in Edmonton and has a diverse selection of beer, including many local beers on tap. With intimate seating near the river valley, you can have a pizza then go for a winter walk with someone special.
6. The Art Gallery of Alberta : Don't worry about touching dirty things here because you're not allowed to touch anything! Enjoy the rotating collections by buying a membership or shopping from local designers in the gift shop.
7. SCARS (Second Chance Animal Rescue Society) : Surprising someone with a puppy or kitty on Christmas morning probably is a terrible idea, but supporting a local animal shelter with a donation or by buying some merchandise, is always welcome. Our two youngest pets, Oesa and Hara, were both adopted from SCARS.
8. Kind Ice Cream : Cold ice cream is perfect for those chilly winters. Jeggnogg, salted caramel, and real deal strawberry are staples in my freezer. Kind is a female owned business that will be expanding to a new location in the Highlands for 2021.
This Christmas, consider supporting local independent businesses. Amazon does not need another dollar and over 70% of small businesses in Canada are struggling with COVID. I appreciate every dollar that you spend with me, but I encourage you to look at these other local businesses too for your shopping.
