New resource aims to help Philadelphians support local businesses while shopping for great holiday gifts in West and Southwest Philadelphia
PHILADELPHIA – Today, in anticipation of Small Business Saturday, the Office of City Councilmember Jamie Gauthier released its first-ever 3rd District Holiday Shopping Guide to encourage people to support West and Southwest Philadelphia’s dynamic small business community this holiday season. The guide contains listings for shops, entertainment, restaurants, cafes and organizations across the District, and features interviews with a wide variety of small business owners.
“Small businesses are the backbone of our city,” said Councilmember Gauthier. “They sustain our neighborhoods, provide essential services to our communities, employ a diverse array of Philadelphia residents, and foster our local economy, keeping money close to home. I hope this guide makes your holiday shopping a little bit easier, and I hope it gives a boost to our small businesses as they continue to recover from the impacts of COVID-19.”
The past two years have been especially hard for Philadelphia’s small business community. Many of our city’s commercial corridors have been hit with multiple crises: COVID-19, a recession, property damage due to civil unrest, and supply chain challenges. All of this is on top of an already-challenging atmosphere for small businesses, with mom-and-pop stores facing intense competition from big box outlets and online retailers.
Because of these obstacles, it’s more important than ever that we find new ways to lift up independently owned businesses. The 3rd District Holiday Shopping Guide is an effort to get the word out about all the great local shopping opportunities available in West and Southwest Philadelphia, and to provide small businesses expand their reach.
The guide contains information on businesses across West and Southwest Philadelphia that have great gift ideas for friends, colleagues, and loved ones. Many small businesses across the 3rd District are run by women and people of color. Each and every sale is meaningful to neighborhood businesses, and the Councilmember encourages shoppers to consider visiting one (or more!) of the District’s vibrant commercial corridors as part of your holiday shopping plans.
Click here to view the 3rd District Holiday Shopping Guide.
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