‘Tis the Season to Support Small Businesses

The holiday season is upon us! As the names on your Christmas list rack up, it’s a great time to think about who you’re supporting while you shop. 

Shopping local and supporting small businesses impacts your community and its artisans in a big way, and we want to help you help them! Here’s a quick look at our team’s favorite small businesses to support this season across Knoxville and beyond… 

Mark: Magpies Bakery

“Everybody loves cake, and the people that work there are always happy and fun to shop with.”

Melissa: Abridged Beer Company / PostModern Spirits

“The food is amazing, the staff is super friendly and welcoming, and they always have tasty, unique new brews in rotation at Abridged Beer Company. They also have a great patio in the middle of the city that still feels like it’s off the beaten path!”

“I also really love PostModern Spirits (POMO). They are a local distillery and have the BEST staff. You could not go in for 6 months and they’ll still remember you when you go back. Plus, they make the best cocktails in their Tasting Room and have a nice patio as well.”

Quinton: Natural Pet Supply

“I love to buy treats for my boy here! It’s a great place for gifts for pets as well… homemade treats, healthy snacks, and the strongest catnip toys in town.”

Brookney: Altruda’s

“We love going to Altruda’s for an authentic and cozy Italian meal. They have the best garlic rolls and endless salad around, and the owner always greets you with warmness and a true sense of care. Highly recommend a gift card for anyone on your list this year!”

Abby: Appalachian Arts Craft Center / The Jackson Avenue Tea Co.

“AACC has such a fun variety of goodies to choose from, made by a ton of different local artisans! From home goods to accessories to art and even classes, they have so much for visitors to discover. I also love The Jackson Avenue Tea Company… A fun backstory and delicious tea!”

Stacey: Ham ‘N Goodys

“Who doesn’t love a good lemon cookie? Plus, they have other delicious goodies and even some gluten free desserts my mom can eat (which is rather hard to find because she is SUPER sensitive, so just because something says ‘gluten free’ doesn’t mean she can eat it).”

Amanda: Planet Xchange / Young-Williams Animal Center

“I don’t think anyone who knows me would be surprised to hear that one of my favorite small businesses is Planet Xchange. I’m always able to find name-brand clothing and shoes in great condition for unbeatable prices. I also love the work Young-Williams does in and around Knoxville. Their staff is so friendly and helpful and it’s great to see them continue to grow!”

Chelsey: The Belcourt Theatre (Nashville)

“The Belcourt Theatre is local to me in Nashville. It’s cozy and always shows good independent films which I love, and they have great food and beer selections. Great place to support and I never feel buyer’s remorse being there!”

There’s no better time to shop local!

After a couple of tough years for small businesses and so many amazing local vendors, shopping small can be more meaningful than ever before. This year, give two gifts at once: one to the person on your list and the other to the small business owner you bought it from! 

Join us in shopping local this season and make sure to follow us on social media for more content like this!