Support Local All Month Long With Citywide Shopping Event
Writer / Renee Larr
Photographer / Robby Berry
Shopping locally benefits local businesses, the local economy and the community. Money spent in Fishers stays in Fishers. City leaders are promoting this idea with Shop Fishers, beginning November 27 on Small Business Saturday. Businesses are offering discounts and free gifts with purchases through December 31.
“Last year, with all the COVID-19 restrictions, we decided to extend the celebration, so we had more time to rally our community around our local businesses,” says Stephanie Perry, assistant director of community and public relations for the City of Fishers. “We got great feedback from shoppers, diners and the businesses who participated. This year we decided to keep that five-week celebration so the community can shop and dine local all holiday season.”
With nearly 70 businesses participating, there is something for everyone. Businesses fall into seven categories including food and drink, boutiques, art, health and self-care, home and garden, family fun, and services. Citizens State Bank is offering a free gift with a new checking account.
“Supporting local initiatives is extremely important to us as a whole,” says Erin Bourff, assistant banking center manager for Citizens. “We’re a very community-focused bank. We wanted to participate because our mission statement is, ‘To help our clients, co-workers and communities succeed.’”
New business Finery Bridal Boutique is participating for the first time this year. The wedding gown boutique is offering brides 15% off of any special-order wedding gown. Gowns range in price from $500 to $2,500, and include up-and-coming designers and well-known brands.
“I wanted to participate because local residents are the type of clients I want to attract to Finery Bridal,” says Shawn Jackson, boutique owner. “I like to shop local myself because I’d much rather put my money into the local economy versus a national brand. I try to participate in anything the city has going on at the time.”
Sun King Brewing has participated in the event each year since its inception. The craft beer maker is offering a $5 gift card with the purchase of a $25 gift card.
“As a local business, it is important to support each other and to collaborate with each other,” says Beth Belange-Hood, Sun King marketing and promotions director. “It’s convenient and better for the environment, and also helps promote community. Collectively our goal is to get our fans to shop, eat and drink local. When you shop locally, the money stays in the community. In return, local companies give back to the community that we live, eat and drink in. We are always happy to support shopping local businesses.”
Not all participating businesses have brick-and-mortar locations. Several online companies are offering specials for local shoppers.
“In the past we’ve had online businesses, but this year we had a targeted campaign to recruit more online entrepreneurs who have an Etsy shop or a business that operates completely online,” Perry says. “We felt this was a really unique way to shop from the comfort of their home and still support a local resident.”
Shoppers and diners are encouraged to search #shopfishers on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
“That’s the best way to find out what’s going on and where it’s happening,” Perry says. “We’ll have tons of giveaways with gift baskets, gift cards and prize packs. It’s a great way for participants to share the great deals they receive during Shop Fishers.”
Brick-and-mortar businesses are spread throughout Fishers, including some lesser-traveled areas. Perry is proud of being able to represent each part of the city.
Shopping local is always crucial to support local business, and it’s also a great way to avoid shipping delays this year. The family-fun category is filled with businesses like Adrenaline Family Adventure Park, Wishes Dance Studio and Play It Again Sports. It’s an excellent way for those worried about potential shipping delays to purchase local gifts.
“We want this event to showcase and celebrate our local entrepreneurs, especially during the hard times they’ve endured the last year and a half or so,” Perry says. “These businesses are the fabric of our community. Many of the owners are longtime Fishers residents. We’ll be doing videos on our website highlighting the owners and telling their stories. This is a great way to celebrate our friends and neighbors.”
Perry wants to keep the entrepreneurial spirit of Fishers alive. The farmers market is operating online through December 31. Shoppers can place their orders by noon on Wednesdays and their items will be delivered contact-free on Friday afternoons.
This year, Shop Fishers businesses partnered with local nonprofits to give back to the community on November 30. For more info and a complete list of participants, visit thisisfishers.com/shop-fishers.
