When you shop small our downtown continues to grow and thrive; given that for every dollar spent at a small business in the U.S., approximately 67 cents stays in the local community.

Ways to Shop Local

Fuel up! Order takeout or dine in with over 20 options from breweries to Italian to tacos to snacks and sweets. Grab a coffee for an extra pep in your step as you explore all DTCF has to offer, from river to retail!
Explore specialty businesses. DTCF is lucky to have several art-focused businesses and niche audiences who knit and crochet, brave the Cuyahoga River, are music-focused, and are looking for a certain service or item.

Gift now for experiencing later. Purchase gift certificates for restaurants, shops, or experiences such as outdoor recreation, spa/massage, photo sessions, yoga classes, workshops, and more! The perfect stocking stuffer; something to look forward to and memories to keep forever.
Share the love online. Write reviews on Google, Yelp, or Facebook, and post photos to local shops and restaurants. Leave shopping tips for future customers. It’s free and helps make businesses more well-known within the community!

BLACK FRIDAY – NOVEMBER 24TH
This day is known for long lines at your big box stores; some even open on Thanksgiving Day. Shopping small encourages people to buy from artists, makers, independent shops, and small businesses by emphasizing that every sale, no matter the amount, is vital to their prosperity and survival [Forbes]

SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY – NOVEMBER 25TH
The biggest shopping day of the year for our small businesses! They plan for this all year to curate a unique experience for their most loyal shoppers. Deals you don’t want to miss, from discounts to freebies to live music and more! Shopping small supports our local economy and promotes vibrant, more diverse communities.

ARTISTS SUNDAY – NOVEMBER 26TH
If you want to give something truly unique and one-of-a-kind, art is the way to go. Artists Sunday is a national marketing campaign encouraging shoppers to purchase from artists and give unique, original items as gifts for the holiday season. There’s perhaps nothing more personal than a gift of the arts. Shop from a full range of artisan items, from jewelry, painting, and pottery to sculpture, home items, and clothing. From the practical and useful to the decorative and whimsical or all of the above. Items for you, your home, your family and friends

We hope you continue to shop small year-round in support of business owners who put everything on the line to offer you curated, unique items and experiences within our community and neighboring communities. Thank you for investing in and supporting their passions and dreams!