Hey Locals,

We have lots of updates and deals for you this week, starting with ways to support small business during this "uncertain" holiday shopping season. And don't miss our list of light displays to get your glow on, including (but not limited to) Night of Lights!

Also: We're kicking off your holiday shopping right with a deal at Fort Wayne's local toyshop, Hopscotch House, in November. All paid subscribers get $5 off any purchase. Did you know we give our paid members a freebie every month at a local business to cover the cost of membership? See what a paid membership is all about with this 30-day trial, and you can get that discount! In December, we have a $5 off deal at Hopscotch's sister-shop, Fancy & Staple, too. Details below!

Don't forget: We're kicking off your holiday shopping season right with a new deal at Fort Wayne's local toyshop, Hopscotch House!

Now, let's get started!

NOTE: Links to Journal Gazette articles are marked(*) and may be behind a paywall.

Small businesses are counting on support this holiday season.

Quick tips (and deals) for your holiday shopping weekend!

What's happening?

As Black Friday and Shop Small Saturday approach, small businesses in Fort Wayne are taking to social media to encourage customers to buy local instead of from big box stores. And while the message might sound familiar, it carries extra weight this holiday season, as small businesses in Fort Wayne and across the U.S. struggle to keep their doors open as inflation shifts consumer shopping habits.

• A recent study shows: 52 percent of consumers have reduced spending at small businesses due to inflation, and 33 percent of small businesses feel pressured to drive growth in the fourth quarter to make up for losses this year.
• In Fort Wayne: Taber Olinger, owner of two shops Downtown, Fancy & Staple and Hopscotch House, posted several Instagram reels about the challenge last week. "The next five weeks will determine the future of my two shops, quite literally," Olinger says. "Business is at an all-time low for small shops everywhere, and holiday sales are what carries us through the slow times the following year. If holiday goals aren’t met, then it’s only a matter of time before the 'ship sinks,' if ya know what I mean."

This holiday season, you might consider:

• Doubling the impact of your good deeds. A reader sent us a message last week, noting that if you're shopping for organizations, like Toys for Tots, Christmas Angel trees, and Community Harvest Food Bank, you might consider purchasing items from local shops. "It just seems like the perfect opportunity to support both local families and local businesses," they said.
• Broadening the range of what you buy local. Greater Fort Wayne Inc. recently shared a small business directory to help identify shops and services on your holiday list.
• Posting about your purchases or favorite businesses on social media. If your budget is tight, one free way you can support small business is liking, commenting or sharing posts on social media and telling people about them (online or IRL). You might even be eligible to win $1,000 on Thanksgiving, courtesy of a new promotion on Instagram by financial consultant Hyper Local Impact.

To encourage local spending...

We're teaming up with Olinger's shop Fancy & Staple in December to bring all paid subscribers to The Local a $5 off discount on any purchase. (There's still time redeem your $5 off at Hopscotch House toy shop in November, too!)

Here are a few quick tips for your next visit to Fancy & Staple:

• What is it? Olinger describes Fancy as a modern-day general store. "It’s got a little bit of everything, a little bit for everyone!" she says. "There are home goods, books, candles, gifts items, pantry goods, candy, children’s toys, pet toys, tees, jewelry, stationary, cards, giftwrap, and so much more!" We especially love the jewelry, candles and seasonal decor. Speaking of which...
• Did you know: the shop has become known for its holiday displays? "It truly does feel magical when you walk in," Olinger says. "There’s a ton of bottlebrush trees, unique ornaments, tabletop decor, garlands, holiday candles, cards, etc. If you haven’t experienced it yet, please stop by, and you’ll immediately understand what I mean."
• Be sure to: check out First Fridays on Broadway every first Friday of the month. Fancy is a regular participant, and Olingers says there are many artsy shops and businesses along Broadway you'll want to explore, so "make a night of it!" Learn more in our full story.

One last quick note: Two other locals shared details on their products with us that we wanted to pass along:

• Artist Lyndy Bazile of AfroPlump and Studio Vwazen shared about her Body Bather Bundle and products on sale at afroplump.com. "I also plan to have some Bundles in a few brick-and-mortar shops around town, including Swizzle and CWOW," she says.
• Reader and representative for artist Sankofa, Stephen Bryden, shared a special 35% off discount code for Local subscribers, good for anything (shirts, hats, hoodies, tapes. CDs, digital albums) at sankofa.bandcamp.com. Use the code localfw at checkout. It expires at midnight on New Year's Eve.

• The Fairfield is opening soon to fill gaps in Fort Wayne's nightlife scene. After three years of renovations, the historic three-floor building between Downtown and Electric Works is preparing for its grand-opening in January – with some offerings opening in December. The first floor's Pinhouse Social duckpin bowling opens in late-December and offers late-night bowling until midnight six days of the week (except Sundays, when it closes at 10 p.m.). The second floor's membership-based Urban Golf simulator opens Dec. 16 with public hours 4 p.m.-midnight most days, and members-only hours weekday mornings. WANE 15 cites a 2021 survey that shows young professionals want more fun things to do Downtown — especially at night. It will be interesting to see how the Fairfield impacts the community. Its third floor will have a 320-guest event venue (already taking reservations), and it will have another offering TBA in early 2025.
• A Fort Wayne-based apparel company got a deal on ABC's "Shark Tank." Founder Ashley Green, a former high school teacher, launched her business, Kaans Designs, about 10 years ago to sell T-shirts and apparel encouraging family time. Her products have been listed among "Oprah’s Favorite Things" twice. Last Friday, the "Shark Tank" episode aired where Green and her husband, Kenneth, made their pitch and earned a $75,000 loan for a 10% stake from Raising Cane’s co-founder, Todd Graves, along with mentorship from longtime “Shark Tank” investor, Daymond John. Green tells The JG* she's already working with the Sharks. (Raising Cane's is also opening its first Fort Wayne location in mid-December.) Kaans currently works out of the Green's garage and employs three total full-time workers. Last year, it did about $300,000 in sales on its website, Amazon and Etsy, and it plans to use its "Shark Tank" investment to purchase equipment to meet increased demand with sales up 60% this year. It also hopes to support more would-be entrepreneurs in Fort Wayne in printing and embroidery.

Plus: new ownership at a longtime local restaurant, the details on ADUs in Fort Wayne and the next phase of riverfront development. We cover it all in our premium newsletter.

• Celebrate: one of Downtown Fort Wayne's largest events of the year, HolidayFest Night of Lights on Nov. 27, starting at 6 p.m. Several Downtown shops, eateries and businesses will be participating, as classic Fort Wayne light displays, like Santa and His Reindeer, illuminate the sky. Cap off the evening with a visit to Sidecar's Miracle on Jefferson pop-up, opening that night with a new lineup of Christmas-themed cocktails.
• Get your glow on: with more light displays around town. The Botanical Conservatory is offering $1 Night Light Displays, starting Nov. 27 for Night of Lights and then every Thursday and Friday evening from Black Friday to Christmas. More light displays are available at Parkview Field ($10), Blue Jacket's Fantasy of Lights ($15/vehicle) and Visit Fort Wayne's annual holiday lights home tour list.
• Check out: Summit City Vintage's new shop on The Landing, opening in the former House to Home space on Black Friday, Nov. 29, 11 a.m.-7 p.m.

What else? We share more things to do in our premium newsletter.

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Got a story tip or idea?

Let us know at thelocalfortwayne@gmail.com.

Have a great week, Locals!

-Your Editor, Kara Hackett