Think Big And Shop Small In Louisville This Holiday Season
Find one-of-a-kind gifts on Small Business Saturday
Looking for fun, unique and one-of-a-kind gifts? This year, consider holiday shopping at local businesses and shops on Small Business Saturday (Saturday, November 26, 2022.) These places are right around the corner (literally) from several Louisville neighborhoods and arts and entertainment districts.
The best part about shopping at and supporting small businesses is helping the local economy and giving back earned dollars to the community. We rounded up our top eight local shops and small businesses to support this year. We’ve divided the list by specialty grocery stores and markets and retail shops. Happy shopping y’all!
Speciality Grocery Stores and Markets
1. Lotsa Pasta
3717 Lexington Rd. Louisville, KY, 40207
Authentic specialty foods from around the world right by your house? You cheddar believe it! For those foodies in your family, why not give the gift of fresh, hard-to-find, ingredients? Lotsa Pasta has everything from cheeses, bread, oils and anything your heart desires. Or maybe you are looking for a hearty sandwich or soup on the go. This International food shop and Café will warm your heart inside and out.
This local grocery spot will be your new favorite Italian fix. The owners provide the finest foods for you and even let you try samples at the deli or cheese counter– just ask!
Store Hours:
Monday-Friday: 10 am – 6 pm
Saturday: 10 am – 5 pm
Sunday: 12 pm – 5 pm
Check their Facebook page for updated information or call 502-896-6361.
2. Logan Street Market
1001 Logan Street, Louisville KY, 40204
Louisville’s first public market is home to over 35 local businesses! Inspired by other famous public markets, such as Pike’s Place, Quincy Market and Findlay Market, Logan Street Market offers a variety of gifts including apparel, snacks, specialty cheeses, coffee, pet food and more!
The Louisville Independent Business Alliance (LIBA) is proud to showcase the Logan Street Market’s businesses, many of which are minority-owned and women-owned.
“Logan Street Market is a fun place to walk around and shop! I really enjoy finding unique pieces such as jewelry and clothes,” says Jane Rudnick, Marketing and Communications Specialist.
Join the local community for market-hosted events, such as dog-friendly nights, rosé happy hours and live music. The vendors and pop-up shops are always changing, too.
Breakfast & Brunch Hours:
Tuesday-Sunday: 8 am-3 pm
Lunch, Dinner, & Retail Hours:
Tuesday-Sunday: 11 am- 8 pm
Sunday: 11 am-6 pm
Beverage & Nightlife Hours:
Tuesday-Thursday: 11 am- 9 pm
Friday: 11 am- 10 pm
Saturday: 10 am- 10 pm
Sunday: 10 am- 6 pm
Friday – Saturday: 6:30am – 11pm
Follow Logan Street Market on Instagram for their latest events!
Retail Shops
3. Barret Babes
970 Barret Ave. Louisville, Ky 40204
Live. Laugh. Love Barret Babes! Find this hidden gem on Barret Avenue in walking distance of some fun places, such as ShopBar and Big Bad Breakfast. Spend your afternoon getting to know the owners and discover unique vintage pieces you can’t find anywhere else.
“Barret Babes was born out of our love for vintage and handmade curated items. Working in the small business community for years separately, we decided to come together to provide our friends with a space to showcase their work and goods collectively,” says Althea-Lane Ford, Barret Babes store owner. “We pride ourselves in facilitating not only a positive consignment space but a place for community!”
From quirky vintage clothes and handmade earrings, to fun artwork, and plants– you will find neat items for the pickiest of people. Barret Babes is an inclusive and welcoming environment for everyone to enjoy.
Hours:
Tuesday-Thursday: 12 pm-6 pm
Friday-Sunday: 12 pm-7 pm
Follow Barret Babes on Instagram for the latest updates!
4. Carmichael’s Bookstore
1295 Bardstown Rd, Louisville, KY 40204
2720 Frankfort Ave, Louisville, KY 40206
Carmichael’s Kids location:
1313 Bardstown Rd, Louisville, KY 40204
Carmichael's Bookstore
Listening in the Dark
A Pearl in the Storm
A Pearl in the Storm by Spalding President Tori McClure
Books, books and more books! Did you know Carmichael’s is Louisville’s oldest independent bookstore? For all your bookish friends and neighbors, jot this down for a place to shop for the holidays. This bookstore has books, puzzles, calendars, journals and more.
This family-owned business has three locations, including a Carmichael’s Kids location for a fun family day! Carmichael’s has readings, book signings and speaking events every month. This is a great bookstore that builds relationships with the community by collaborating with other local businesses, organizations and authors. One example is with Spalding’s MFA program speaker event with Amber Tamblyn and Ada Limón for the book, Listening in the Dark.
Carmichael’s has a range of new, old and historical books for all ages. See if you can find President Tori McClure’s book A Pearl in the Storm at one of our Carmichael’s locations and tag us on social media. We are so proud of our faculty and staff published essays, works, and books sold at Carmichael’s. Keep your eye out for more events and collaborations with Spalding!
Bardstown Location Hours:
Monday-Thursday: 9am-8pm
Friday-Saturday: 9am-9pm
Sunday: 9am-5pm
Frankfort Ave Location Hours:
Monday-Saturday: 9am-8pm
Sunday: 9am-5pm
Carmichael’s Kids Location Hours:
Monday-Friday: 10am-6pm
Saturday & Sunday: 9am-5pm
5. Work the Metal
1201 Story Ave Louisville, KY 40206
Work the Metal
Work smarter, not harder at Work the Metal. With a diverse and fun selection of goods and accessories– you’ll be sure to find something for your mom, aunt, uncle, and all of your long-distance cousins at this local shop. Work the Metal stocks Kentucky bourbon items, cutesy signs, and really anything and everything fun.
A local fave in the Butchertown area. For native Louisvillians, this shop is highly recommended as a “best local giftery.” This is even a fun place for the out-of-towners to shop and browse for the holiday break. Check out their website for fun things happening each month. Don’t miss out on their craft workshops and fun holiday events!
Hours:
Monday-Friday: 11am-5pm
Saturday: 10am-5pm
Follow Work the Metal on Instagram for the latest updates!
6 A Taste of Kentucky
11800 Shelbyville Rd, Louisville, KY, 40243
A Taste of Kentucky
A great local Kentucky shop for y’all. If you haven’t been to Taste of Kentucky, you are missing out. For the Bluegrass guys and gals, bourbon fans, and equestrian lovers– there’s something for everyone. This is also a veteran-owned business.
The owners John and Sherry Hassman have been in the business for 35 years! Unlike big box stores, you can get in contact with the owners directly with a simple phone call or email. No more waiting days on end for an answer! John is happy to speak with you about any feedback and online orders.
“Shopping locally is always important and even more so during the holidays,” says John Hassmann, A Taste of Kentucky business owner. “It is convenient. You support local businesses, invest in your community and help create local jobs.”
Say hello to the owners and get to know the staff when you stop by. We heart Kentucky and we heart this local Kentucky business.
Hours:
Monday-Friday: 9-7 pm
Saturday: 10-7 pm
Sunday: 12 pm-5 pm
Follow A Taste of Kentucky on Instagram for latest updates!
7. Quest Outdoors
4600 Shelbyville Rd, Louisville, KY, 40207
Quest Outdoors
The Great “Quest” Outdoors! We love Kentucky nature and the great outdoors. Red River Gorge, for example, is just a two-hour drive for a fun hiking trip! For a variety of apparel and gear for all of your outdoor adventures– wander into Quest Outdoors.
Our Louisville community is proud to have a local outdoor store that also hires staff who appreciate the outdoors as much as you do. This is also a great resource to get information on trips, best practices and travel stories. Just ask any employee what they recommend! The adventurers and travelers in your life will love this store and the people.
Even for the newbies, this store can be a great way to get introduced to nature and outdoorsy activities. Be prepared and plan your next outdoor adventure for the new year here.
8. Surface Noise Records
600 Baxter Ave, Louisville, KY, 40204
Surface Noise Records
Did you hear? Surface Noise is one of the best record shops in Louisville! This shop focuses on community building with art installations, performances and author events. Besides records, this shop has books and other art pieces that will be a special gift for anyone this holiday season.
For those looking into starting a vinyl collection, or wanting to learn more about music, talk to Brett. He is one of the owners and has strong ties to the Louisville music scene. He can recommend a new vinyl for your collection.
A small local record shop that gives back to the community? Sounds like music to our ears!
Hours:
Monday-Sunday: 12 pm- 6 pm
Tuesday: CLOSED
That concludes our Top 8 local shops and small businesses to support this year. Just a snapshot of the many incredible places to shop!
We can make a difference in our Louisville community with these local gift-giving purchases. Another great way to support local businesses is by purchasing gift cards to some of our favorite eateries and restaurants near Spalding’s campus.
Louisville has so many local places, find more businesses and organizations on the Louisville Independent Business Alliance (LIBA) website. Wishing all of our neighborhood folks and community members a blessed holiday season and successful Small Business Saturday.
A big thanks to all the local businesses and shops mentioned in this blog for letting us take pictures of your businesses.
Original source can be found here.
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