As the holiday season approaches, many of us are faced with the choice of where to shop. While big-box stores and online giants like Amazon may seem like convenient options, supporting local businesses during the holidays can have a far-reaching impact on your community.
A 2022 report revealed that independent retailers, including bookstores, recirculate nearly 30% of their revenue within the local economy—much more than national chains or online giants like Amazon. By shopping locally, you’re not only finding unique and thoughtful gifts, but you’re also helping to strengthen the very fabric of your community.
If you live in or around Madison, Wisconsin, this guide is here to help you discover the best spots to shop local for everything from art supplies to holiday meals. Whether you're looking for one-of-a-kind gifts or just want to support small businesses, here are some great places to start.
If you want community, support independent retailers. And the holidays are the perfect time to demonstrate your commitment.
Shop Local for Art Supplies
Replace Hobby Lobby, Blick, Amazon, Joann, Michaels, Target, and WalMart
Hello Art Hatchery (!), Lynn's, Artist and Craftsman, Eli's Art Supplies, University Bookstore, Booth 121
Shop Local for Creative Gifts
Replace Hobby Lobby, Blick, Amazon, Joann, Michaels, Target, and WalMart
Artsy Fartsy, Anthology, The Glitter Workshop, Hazel General Store,
Shop Local for Books
Replace Barnes & Noble, Amazon, Target, and WalMart
A Room of One's Own, Ink Cap Books, Mystery to Me, Paul's Bookstore, University Bookstore, Lake City Books, The Book Deal, Frugal Muse, Kismet Books
Shop Local for Sewing
Replace Amazon, Hobby Lobby, Joann, Michaels, and WalMart
Blue Bar Quilts, La La Sew, The Electric Needle, Sew Many Threads, JJ Stitches, Sew Hungryhippie
Shop Local for Fiber/Yarn
Replace Amazon, Hobby Lobby, Joann, Michaels, and WalMart
Spry Whimsey, Fevolden Farm Store, Knit Circus Yarns, Kaleidoscope Fibers, Sunset Yarn, Sun Valley Fibers, Blackberry Ridge Woolen Mill, The Sow's Ear, Susan's Fibers
Shop Local for Needlework
Replace Amazon, Hobby Lobby, Joann, Michaels, and WalMart
Witchery Stitchery, Lynn's
Shop Local for Beads
Replace Amazon, Hobby Lobby, Joann, Michaels, and WalMart
Diakonos Designs, Tropic Jewel, Burnie's on Park
Shop Local for Games
Replace Barnes & Noble, Amazon and Target
Gemini Games, I'm Board!, Flipped Table Games, Guildpact Games, Noble Knight Games, Misty Mountain Games, Gamer's Library, Pegasus Games, Warhammer, Quicksave Games
Shop Local for Bath & Candles
Replace Kohl's, Amazon, Target, and WalMart
Green Life Trading Co., The Soap Opera, Soap & Flame, Wisconsin Candle Company, Sienna Glen Soaps and Candles, Candle Cocoon
Local Gift Shops
Replace Kohl's, Barnes & Noble, Amazon, Target, and WalMart
Grasshopper Goods, Overt Space, Orange Tree Imports, Little Luxuries, Nordic Nook, Dune, Art Gecko, Good Day Shop, The Regal Find
Shop Local for Clothes
Replace Kohl's, Amazon Fashion, Old Navy, Macy's, Target, and WalMart
Northern Compass Boutique, Wish Upon Boutique, The Purple Goose, Hive of Madison, Zip-Dang, Jazzman & Duet, Sunne Boutique, A New Day Boutique, August, The French Poppy, Cloth & Metal Boutique, The Trend, Journeyman
Shop Local for Kids/Babies Toys
Replace Kohl's, Amazon, Target, and WalMart
Next Generation, Tradition Market, Little Luxuries, Artists’ and Craftsman Supply, Kinderladen, Happily Ever After Children's Boutique, Bricks and Minifigs, Little Pop Color Shop
Shop Local for Holiday Meals
Replace Pick & Save/Metro, Whole Foods, Target, HyVee, and WalMart
Cheesers, Brennans Market, Vitruvian Farm, Eugster's Farm Market, Conscious Carnivore, Fromagination, Willy Street Co-op, Ken's Meats & Deli, JL Richards, Bavaria Sausage, Miller & Sons, Alimentari
Shop Local for Chocolates
Replace Walgreens, Pick & Save/Metro, Whole Foods, Target, and WalMart
Driftless Chocolates, Yahara Chocolate, Gail Ambrosius Chocolatier, Sugar Troll, The Chocolate Caper, Candinas Chocolatier, Madison Chocolate Company, Infusion Chocolates
Shop Local for Pets
Replace Chewy.com, Amazon, Animart, PetSmart, Target, and WalMart
The Crazy Dog Mom, Bad Dog Frida, Mounds Warehouse, Tabby & Jacks, Earthwise
Instead of the Mall
Hit a local shopping district: Monroe Street, State Street, Downtown Stoughton, Downtown Mount Horeb, Downtown Sun Prairie, Downtown Cambridge, Willy Street, East Johnson, or Paoli.
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Ending Note:
This list is just the beginning! If you have any additional favorite local spots to share, feel free to leave a comment. And don’t forget about online options—many small businesses now offer shipping directly to your door. Use Google Shop’s "Small Business" filter to easily find and support local shops from the comfort of home. Click through to this article to learn how.
