When was the last time you wandered into a shop simply because it caught your eye? When was the last time you had a conversation with a shop owner for the sole purpose of getting to know their story? Here in Detroit, our shop owners have stories to tell. Supporting these owners, hearing their stories and spreading the word is what #ShopDetroit is all about.
As part of our first challenge project, Challenge Detroit Fellows recently spent five weeks getting to know Detroit business owners in each of the city’s seven districts. This project took place in partnership with the Mayor’s Office which advocates for supporting businesses in Detroit’s neighborhoods. Our fellows had conversations with both long-time and new business owners, sampled some of the best baked goods, and found one-of-a-kind record albums among many other Detroit-made products. Most importantly, they wandered into unique shops and had conversations with shop owners – we hope this blog and #ShopDetroit encourages you to do the same!
Here are four simple ways that you can participate:
- Follow Challenge Detroit on Facebook, Twitter & Instagram to learn about and hear from the businesses we connected with so you can explore places to #ShopDetroit.
- Share your favorite small, local and Detroit businesses on social media using #ShopDetroit.
- Participate in Small Business Saturday hosted by Detroit Experience Factory on November 28, 2015 and document your experience on social media using #ShopDetrot.
- Stop into one new-to-you Detroit business each week between now and December 31 and take a look around. You never know what you’ll find!
We are eager to share the stories of Detroit’s business owners and hope that you will join us as we #ShopDetroit.
For more info, check out Shop Detroit 2015 & Detroit Experience Factory.