Here’s a big idea for Black Friday: Before you visit the Targets, Kmarts, Kohls and Walmarts of the world on Friday, why not shop some of our first-class local merchants?
Here are some of my favorites, and some great gift ideas:
- Studio One Art Glass. This is truly a hidden gem in South Milwaukee. Located at 1333 Milwaukee Ave., this unique store features some of the most beautiful hand-crafted stained glass you’ll find, with most made by Kim Kostuch and his team right in the building. I love the window hangings — I buy one for my wife every Christmas — but you can also custom order bigger ticket items like cabinets. Learn more at the Studio One website.
- Donn Powers Jeweler. Locally owned jewelry stores are getting harder and harder to find, and we have a great one right here at 2110 10th Ave. in South Milwaukee. I was really impressed with the number of affordable gift items at Donn Powers when I did some Christmas shopping there last year. Learn more at the store’s website.
- Parkway Floral. At the corner of Chicago and Milwaukee Avenues, this really is our downtown’s centerpiece business, and Bryan Lorentzen runs a great flower shop. Give the gift of flowers this holiday season! Learn more at the Parkway website.
- Azteca. Of all the great restaurants we have in South Milwaukee, this is my favorite. The Mexican food is authentic and affordable, and the service is outstanding. If you haven’t eaten at Azteca yet, do so in December, and pick up a gift certificate for a holiday gift. Learn more here.
And, here’s another local shopping suggestion: Shop the South Milwaukee Christmas Market on Saturday, Dec. 4, at Bucyrus International’s Heritage Building. Hours are 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. There will be more than 40 vendors at the event, with plenty of unique gift opportunities … stuff you can’t find at Best Buy. That includes, for the first time, $2 South Milwaukee Downtown Market cloth gift bags.
Learn more about the Christmas Market here.
Did I miss a local business you’d like to suggest to holiday shoppers? Post your comments below.
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