Yesterday was Black Friday but My Edmonds News didn’t go to the mall, online or even to the next city for after-Thanksgiving holiday shopping. That’s because we’ve made a commitment to “Shop Hyperlocal for the Holidays” and are encouraging our readers to do the same.
As a “hyperlocal” news site — meaning we only cover news and activities related directly to Edmonds — My Edmonds News is committed to supporting those businesses who contribute directly to our city’s economic vitality. In fact, we were pleased to see this report in the most recent Atlantic on the impact of shopping local: $73 of every $100 spent in a local business stays in the community, compared to only $43 of every $100 spent at a non-locally owned business.
You can download your own “Shop Hyperlocal” Badge here – post it on your Facebook Page or your website and remind people to support our local business community.
On Friday, our shopping adventure started in downtown Edmonds, and here’s what we found. (Check back for future shopping reports as we visit Highway 99, Firdale Village, Westgate, Five Corners and Perrinville.)
Edmonds Ace Hardware, 201 5th Ave. S.: This wasn’t a planned stop, but when we started our walk around town, we realized the batteries in our camera were dead. And once we arrived at the hardware store, we remembered that the spouse had mentioned we needed a new toaster. Done and done.
Running in Motion, 401 Main St.: We knew that this was Edmonds’ destination for running shoes and clothes, so didn’t expect to find the perfect Mizuno tennis skirt for $54.99, complete with shorts underneath and a ball pocket, for a family member on our list. (According to owner Frank Yamamoto, it can also double as a running skirt.) While we were there, Yamamoto reminded us of the Edmonds Christmas 5K run/walk, Run Rudolph Run on Saturday, Dec. 11 – start time 9 a.m. To register, visit runninginmotion.com.
The Resident Cheesemonger, 405 Main St.: For our favorite foodie, we were seeking a stocking stuffer with a little kick, and found a jar of green olives stuffed with jalepenos for $8, bagged personally by shop owner (and Edmonds City Councilmember) Strom Peterson.
Manya Vee Selects, 409 Main St.: Co-owner Jeff Stilwell took us on the shop’s “$20 gift tour,” featuring a variety of delightful artistic and finely crafted gifts under $20.While we were tempted by the handcrafted chocolates that looked like works of art, we ended up with a set of six hand-designed note cards, each featuring a sketch of the Edmonds Mural Society’s murals that were raised last summer in Edmonds. At $20, we will use them for a prize drawing at our My Edmonds News ribbon cutting/open house in January.
The Edmonds Theater, 415 Main St.: The perfect small-town theater with a single screen and delicious popcorn, it also offers gift certificates. We picked up two at $16 each (covering two admissions) for a much-appreciated stocking stuffer.
Garden Gear, 102 5th Ave. N. : Seeking the right holiday gift for a sister who loves to garden, we ended up at Garden Gear, where owner Lili Hall pulled out a pair of lovely Monet-like floral garden gloves. A steal for $8.99 – and Hall threw in a complimentary glass ornament, which she’s giving away while supplies last. Garden Gear is offering a special through Dec. 2: mention you saw this on My Edmonds News and receive 10 percent off all Woodstock chimes and gongs or Paperwhite Narcissus flowering bulbs for forcing indoors at 10 for $10.
Nama’s Candy Store, 102 1/2 5th Ave. N.: For a candy lover with an affinity for malted milk balls, we found a gourmet package at Nama’s for $2.25. Nama’s owner Pat McKee proudly showed off the 40-pound Dilettante Chocolate Santa being auctioned for the Edmonds Food Bank – $1 per ticket with the winner drawn Dec. 24.
Today is another great day to “Shop Hyperlocal for the Holidays.” It happens to be Small Business Saturday, aimed at encouraging people to support their local small businesses. It’s the perfect time to shop in Edmonds, then stop by the annual Edmonds Chamber of Commerce Tree Lighting Ceremony at Centennial Plaza, 5th and Bell, at 4:30 p.m. to enjoy caroling, cider and even a visit from Santa Claus.
Hey Teresa,
Very nice, lets hope everyone follows your example.
The holidays are gearing up! I plan on buying books presents for a couple of family members and will “shop local” for sure.
My friend and I shopped in Edmonds yesterday, stopping in the Resident Cheesemonger for some cheddar, Manya Vee for a candle, the Wooden Spoon for several cookery items and Rick Steves for a travel book. The last stop was Olive’s Wine Bar for a yummy lunch. I love boosting the economy of Edmonds!
Glad to see that you will get around to all of Edmonds!