Why Buy Local?

Buying locally made goods and supporting local artists is more important now than ever.

Not only will it stimulate our local economy, but you will also fill your house with totally awesome and unique items.

With all the new businesses popping up all over Lakewood, we depend on the residents to check out our shops, see what we have to offer and keep us in mind when looking for something fabulous to give as a gift or to decorate your homes. 

For every $100 spent locally, $68 of that money stays right in the town the business is located in. If you go to a "big box store", less than $48 stays in the community. 

If you haven't heard about the 3/50 project, check out the website or follow them on Facebook. 

In a nutshell, their mission is to get people to pick three local businesses and spend $50 between all of them each month. Lakewood is just filled with great shops to check out, everything from independent record stores to shops featuring locally made goods can be found all along the main thouroughfares. Fifty bucks is basically a meal out and then perhaps a birthday gift for a favorite friend. 

Or treat yourself to something cool, it is costing less to fill your gas tank lately.

Now that you know why you should buy local, I will answer where. 

In addition to all the local indepedently owned shops, there are tons of special events you can check out.  On Saturday, Oct. 1, 15729 Madison Ave., will be hosting their annual Chili Cook-Off from 1 to 6 pm.

With this cooler fall weather, it's a perfect event.

On Saturday, Oct. 8, the Cleveland Craft Coalition will be hosting their monthly show at Bela Dubby, at 13321 Madison Ave.

Over 15 different artists will be showcasing their art between 1 and 5 pm.  After visiting Bela Dubby, stop at , at 11817 Detroit Ave., for their Witchapalooza Festivities.  After visiting both, you will be entered into a raffle to win a gift basket overflowing with local goodies. 

Also, 78th Street Studios features an ongoing event, every third Friday of the month. A rotating cast of local artists are in attendance, many who reside in Lakewood. 

Local Lakewoodian Samantha Meyer, of Forlorn Dolls, will host a trunk show at my shop, , at 15621 Madison Ave. on Oct. 22 in conjunction with our Halloween Spooktacular.

To finish up the month, many businesses along Madison will be having a Halloween Art Walk on Saturday, Oct. 29, full of treats and no tricks.

Now that you know why and how, there is no reason not to buy local.