Loyal 2 Local

Eat Out In East 

When: Every Wednesday, 4 to 8 p.m.

Join East Somerville Main Streets to support local restaurants. 

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Davis Square Holidate 

When: 12/6, beginning at 8 a.m.

Join more than 20 local businesses for holiday sales, giveaways, dining specials, and more! 

Union Square Jingle - Shop, Sip, and Mingle 

When: 12/7, 1 to 6 p.m.

Revel in this festive neighborhood tradition as you sip in cozy cafes and bustling bars, shop at your favorite stores, and mingle with your community in celebration of everything Union Square has to offer!

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The Arts at the Amory Events

Somerville Flea Holiday Market on the Dec 7th and 21st (both from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.)
Find that unique gift for that unique person. We’ll have two jam-packed floors of gift buying goodness featuring curated vintage wares and artisan creations. Come and join us for our 13th annual Holiday Market at the Arts at the Armory in Somerville.

Vegan Market on Dec 14th (11a.m.-4p.m.)
Join us for the Holiday Vegan Market @ Arts at the Armory in Somerville, Ma! We’ll have an array of vegan food, baked goods, and handmade gifts for the gifting season!

Somerville Winter Farmers Market Saturdays from 9:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. 
The Center for the Arts at the Armory is proud to offer a weekly winter market with 71+ local food vendors with the best locally grown and regionally produced foods, including fresh produce, cheese, eggs, meats, fish, breads, tamales, pastries, chocolate, skincare products, and more.  

Shopping locally in Somerville offers many benefits: 

• When you support local businesses, you’re investing directly in your community.
• Every purchase helps keep money circulating within the local economy.
• That money goes back into the community through wages, local taxes, and the purchase of goods and services from other nearby businesses.

Great reasons to shop local:

Helping to Create Jobs

Shopping local supports small businesses that create jobs, stimulate the local economy, and strengthen the overall well-being of the community. A thriving local economy benefits everyone.

Giving Unique and Handcrafted Gifts

Local shops, artisans, and makers offer one-of-a-kind items you won’t find in national chains. When you shop local, your gifts are more meaningful, personal, and memorable.

Receiving Personalized Service

Local business owners know their products and their customers. They offer expert recommendations, personalized assistance, and often extra touches like complimentary gift wrapping—making holiday shopping easier and more enjoyable

Minimizing Your Environmental Impact

Buying locally reduces the distance products travel, cutting transportation emissions and supporting sustainability. Fewer shipping miles mean a smaller carbon footprint.

Preserving Community Character

Independent businesses give Somerville (or your town name) its unique charm and personality. Supporting them helps preserve that local character—especially during the holiday season when our streets are full of lights, traditions, and community spirit.

Keeping Dollars in the Community

For every $100 spent locally, about $68 stays in the community. Local businesses reinvest through wages, taxes, and purchasing goods and services from other nearby businesses, strengthening the local economy.

Strengthening Community Connections

Shopping local often means seeing familiar faces—neighbors, friends, and fellow residents. These everyday interactions help build relationships and a stronger sense of belonging.

Supporting Local Causes

Local businesses are more likely to support local events, charities, and causes. When you shop local, you’re helping create a positive cycle of community support and goodwill.

Encouraging Transparency and Ethical Practices

Smaller, locally owned businesses tend to be more transparent about their sourcing, operations, and values, making it easier for customers to make ethical and sustainable choices.

Local Shopping Can Still Be Convenient

Shopping local doesn’t have to mean shopping in person. Many small businesses now offer online ordering, delivery, or pickup options—making it just as easy to buy local as it is to click “add to cart.” from the business instead of using third-party apps to maximize the profit they receive. 

Looking for ways to help support local businesses?  Here are a few suggestions for this holiday season, and year 'round! 

How to support local businesses: 

• Purchase merchandise: If a business sells branded merchandise, buying it helps support them and also acts as a form of free advertising.
• Attend events: Show up to local markets, festivals, and other community events where small businesses showcase their products
• Buy gift cards: If you can't shop in person, buying a gift card provides immediate financial support and ensures you'll visit the business later.
• Start a social media challenge: Challenge your friends and followers to "shop local" by sharing a photo of a recent purchase from a small business. Tag three friends and ask them to do the same.
• Pay it forward: Brighten someone's day and celebrate a local business at the same time. You can pay for the coffee of the person in line behind you or send a friend lunch from a locally owned restaurant.
• Highlight local businesses online: Use your own social media channels to spotlight your favorite small businesses. Make a dedicated post or story every week in May to promote a new local shop or eatery.
• Nominate a business for a local award: Many local publications or chambers of commerce recognize outstanding small businesses. A nomination is an excellent way to bring attention to a deserving business.
• Provide direct feedback: If you have a complaint, address it privately with the business owner first. This gives them a chance to resolve the issue and can help them improve.
• Join loyalty programs: Sign up for loyalty programs or newsletters to receive updates and special offers, while also showing continued support.
• Advocate for policies: Support local policies that are beneficial to small businesses.
• Choose local service providers. The next time you need a haircut, home repair, or car service, hire a nearby independent professional instead of a large chain.
• Choose local service providers. The next time you need a haircut, home repair, or car service, hire a nearby independent professional instead of a large chain.
• Pay with cash. When possible, paying with cash helps small businesses avoid credit card processing fees, allowing them to keep more of their profits.
• Attend local events. Go to farmers' markets, craft fairs, festivals, and special events to support local vendors and enjoy the community atmosphere.
• Tip generously. For service-based businesses, a larger-than-average tip is an easy way to show appreciation for their work
• Engage with their content. Simply liking or leaving a thoughtful comment on a business's social media post can help increase their visibility in algorithms. Offering kind words and encouragement to small business owners and their employees goes a long way, especially during challenging times
• Subscribe to newsletters. Sign up for a business's email list to stay updated on their latest news and promotions.
• Use #ShopLocalSomerville and tag @Somervillebusinesses to be featured.

This season, every gift you buy locally gives twice — once to someone you love, and again to the people who make our community special.