Shop Local This Holiday Season!

More Opportunities to Shop Local
by Brit Charek

Regardless of whether or not you made it to Crafty Mart this past weekend, there are still plenty of opportunities for you to buy reasonably prices handmade goods made right here in the Greater Akron Area.

This Saturday is Artsy Mart, from 10am to 8pm at Summit ArtSpace presented by the Akron Area Arts Alliance in cooperation with the monthly Akron Art Walk. If you've never been to an Art Walk, this weekend would be the perfect opportunity to experience this unique Akron event. There's free parking in the Main Library garage, just a block away from Summit Artspace. From there, you can hop on the free trolley that runs between galleries and local businesses downtown.


The Akron Zoo is having their annual Trunk Sale on Thursday night, November 29, featuring local artisans who make animal-themed and/or re-purposed or upcycled goods. If you're a Zoo member, you'll get 20% off your gift store purchase, and for each $10 spend you'll be entered in a raffle.

But wait! There's more! There's also the Portage Trail Barn Sale in the valley starting on Thursday December 6 and wrapping up on Sunday December 9.

Another great place to purchase local handmade gifts is DevilStrip Dolly's, Akron's only self proclaimed "anti-gallery" and leader of the "Keep Akron Weird" movement. It's a great place to shop especially if you're looking for something a little offbeat. While you're parked make sure to check out The Bomb Shelter next door for all things vintage.

For the music lovers, make sure to head to Square Records in Highland Square, and drop by Revival next door while you're there or across the street to The Market Path, where you can find fair trade gift items from all over the world.

If you're willing to travel, Collective Upcycle, who sell strictly re-purposed and upcycled items, is setting up shop downtown Cleveland and the Cleveland Handmade Markets' Last Minute Market on Saturday December 15 at the Screw Factory is a must! Also check out the Cleveland Craft Coalition's Annual Handmade Holiday Show that same weekend, on Friday December 14 and Saturday December 15 at Breakneck Gallery in Lakewood.

Look for the cute little flags!

Is there any place we left out? Let us know your favorite local shopping destinations by emailing us at akronempire [at] gmail dot com.