OK, maybe Wal-Mart is the only solvent mercantile operation in the country, but that doesn’t mean you have to do all your shopping in the big-box behemoths. Especially not this season, which is supposed to be about the joy of giving. Where’s the joy in giving the same-old, same-old, when the one-of-a-kind, never-thought-of-that gifts — the ones that will surprise you as well as the folks on your gift list — can only be found in Tampa Bay’s small independent businesses?
That's the thinking behind Creative Loafing’s Indie Holiday Shopping Spree. Starting today with Eric Snider's visit to Army Navy Surplus in downtown Tampa, the Daily Loaf will be spotlighting a variety of locally owned, independently run establishments where you can find everything from an ammo vest to a rat zapper to Gasparilla Christmas ornaments made out of goose eggs (they're at Villa Rosa Distinctive Linens in Tampa).
Plus, we’re offering an incentive to encourage your indie shopping sprees: Sign the Shop Local pledge, and you’ll be entered into a drawing to win $1,000 worth of gift certificates from participating local retailers.
Photo by Wayne Garcia
This article appears in Nov 26 – Dec 2, 2008.