We’re living in a fast-paced, convenience-driven world. One where time feels scarce, and budgets are often tight. It can be easy to overlook the businesses right around the corner when online retailers and big box stores offer 24/7 shopping from the comfort of our couches. However, there’s something truly special—and even rewarding—about getting out and shopping locally.
Whether it’s the friendly familiar face behind the counter, the unique products you won’t find anywhere else, or the way your dollars stay in your own community, local businesses offer a variety of benefits that go far beyond the transaction.
Over the past decade, the Shop Local movement has gained popularity, but it’s more than just a trendy buzzword. For small business owners, it’s a lifeline—one where a single holiday season can determine a shop’s trajectory. And with closures on the rise, it’s never been more important to support the small businesses you want to continue to see into the new year.
Supporting small, local businesses is undeniably important, but it’s also fun! Before online shopping’s takeover of the retail sector, shopping was all about the experience. It was an activity that would bring people together, maybe a way to spend a Saturday, and always a chance to have small, pleasant interactions with shopkeepers who knew you by name. Shopping used to be social, and the memories were often more significant than the purchases themselves.
Fast forward to a post-COVID world, and you’ll find a saturated online marketplace, with an ocean of brands vying for your attention. Worse, it’s designed to give us anxiety: can I order fast enough for delivery before the special occasion? Will I miss the sale? What more can I add to my order so I qualify for “free” shipping? Not to mention you can knock out your entire holiday shopping list without seeing another face (unless you count the influencer who gave you their promo code). Where’s the cheer in any of that?
“Convenience” comes at the cost of community, but the resurgence of the Shop Local movement offers hope and joy for business owners, employees, and shoppers alike. Keep your holiday shopping in your community this season.
Here’s what Downtown Fort Wayne has in store for you:
Boutiques, Merch, and Specialty Stores in the 99 Blocks
B&B Loan Company is a locally owned and operated pawn shop that specializes in musical instruments, electronics, jewelry, bicycles, hunting and fishing supplies, collectibles, and more. Every item on their shelves is guaranteed to be thoroughly cleaned, tested, and restored. You can find everything from musical instruments to laptops and video games. They’re definitely worth checking out!
Blue Bottle Shop, attached to Dana’s on The Landing, is your destination for specialty spirits, wine, liqueurs, and zero-proof bevvies. Blue Bottle Shop offers rare bottles you can’t find anywhere else in town, but anything you find there will make the perfect gift for the cocktail connoisseur or mixologist-in-the-making.
Cinema Center is Fort Wayne’s only not-for-profit arthouse theatre, exploring the world through the art of film one showing at a time. If you have a film buff in your life, you can purchase some Cinema Center merch (all designed by local artists — found on their online store), or give a gift membership, which serves as a donation to the nonprofit and provides some sweet perks, like discounted tickets year round.
Coney Island is a Fort Wayne institution, making the Coney Island Gift Shop the perfect destination for someone who loves their Midwestern roots. The gift shop is packed full of apparel, mugs, memorabilia, and of course, gift cards to Fort Wayne’s beloved Coney dog stand.
The Conservatory Shop at the Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory is a must-stop for any green thumbs on your list. This gift shop has everything you could imagine for plant lovers—from books on bonsai to houseplants and garden essentials. You can also gift a membership, so your loved one can enjoy free visits to the Botanical Conservatory and other member benefits.
Creative Women of the World (CWOW) is a non-profit organization and artisanal shop that partners with women from all over the world to empower and support their entrepreneurship and artistry. At CWOW, you’re sure to find unique, cultural handcrafted gifts. And when you purchase any of CWOW’s handmade gifts or artwork, it directly sustains that artisan, her family, and her community. It’s the ultimate feel-good gift.
David Talbott Collection is the place for men’s designer apparel and accessories. Owner, David Rabideau, combines the best brands and his passion for men’s fashion in his carefully curated collection. It’s a great option for any men on your list who are looking to upgrade their wardrobe. Bonus: David Talbott carries premium grooming brands that make ideal stocking stuffers.
Eye Specs on Main, inside The Bradley hotel, is an optical boutique that specializes in chic eyewear. Gift a new pair of specs or sunglasses from a variety of high-end brands like Prada and Tom Ford. It’s the perfect place to find the finest in eye fashion.
The Find is a boutique that has something for the fashionista, the foodie, the home entertainer, and even the little ones. From classy candles to cocktail sets, men’s grooming products to handmade toys, this hip spot offers a little something for everyone. As a bonus, they offer jewelry, apparel, and beauty products from local makers.
Fort Wayne Dance Collective is a local dance studio and non-profit aimed at inspiring and empowering people of all identities, abilities, and stages of life through movement arts. If someone on your list is interested in taking dance classes, the Dance Collective offers a diverse array of workshops—for children and adults alike. So consider giving the enriching gift of movement!
The Fort Wayne Embassy Theatre is a go-to for live performances. Every year, the Embassy brings in the best musical, theatrical, and comedic performers—all to be enjoyed in its beautiful, historic venue. Experiences are some of the most memorable gifts. For some once-in-a-lifetime gift ideas, check out the Embassy’s upcoming season.
The Fort Wayne TinCaps Official Store is an excellent option for any local sports fans. Grab some apparel or collectibles—or go big with season tickets, so your loved one can enjoy all 66 home games next season at state-of-the-art Parkview Field.
Third World Shoppe is a non-profit organization that operates job training programs at its Downtown Fort Wayne building, and markets handmade crafts from 80 partner groups in 35 countries. At its cultural gift store, you’ll find a wide variety of ethically sourced, handcrafted fair trade goods. Anything you’ll find at Third World Shoppe is truly a gift that gives back.
Idlehour Boutique is a small-but-mighty woman-owned boutique attached to Pure Movement Pilates, offering a mix of stylish staples, in vogue athleisure, and adorable accessories. In addition to their clothing selection, they offer an array of candles, beauty products, and home goods. There’s no shortage of options for the feminine fashionista.
Kilwins is a go-to for anyone with a sweet tooth on your list. During the holiday season, they offer special-edition holiday gift baskets and popcorn tins in addition to their usual selection of delectable sweets. Once you catch the aroma of their in-store crafted waffle cones wafting through the air, it will be impossible to leave without treating yourself to something, too.
Pacula Designs is a great option for anyone looking to go BIG this holiday season. The father-daughter duo at Pacula Designs offers bespoke jewelry and diamonds, styled and hand-designed to your liking.
The Paradigm Gallery at Fort Wayne Museum of Art (FWMoA) is the gift shop for local art collectors. It offers fine crafts and original art from local artisans and artists. You’ll find everything from jewelry and apparel, to ceramics and prints. Bonus: if you’re a FWMoA Member, you’ll receive a discount on all purchases at the gift shop. And remember, memberships make good gifts too!
Poptique Gourmet Popcorn is poppin’ this time of year. Stuff your loved ones’ stockings (or fill a giant box) with world-class snacks. Choose from the classics, unique flavors like dill pickle or frosted cinnamon roll, or festive seasonal favorites like peppermint bark, Christmas cookie, and apple cinnamon.
If you’re looking for a special stogie to give to your loved one, you won’t be let down by the selection at Rudy’s Cigar Shop or Riegel’s Pipe & Tobacco Shop.
Reboot Labs has creative and inventive gifts for the curious and the tech-minded—young or old. Find kits that foster outside-the-box thinking in engineering, coding, design, robotics, and more!
Stoner’s Funstore is a quirky novelty store specializing in costumes, gag gifts, and magic tricks—perfect for the comedian in the family or a little one who wants to host their own magic show. It’s always a fun time at Stoner’s, where you’re bound to find a gift that’s truly unique.
The Urban Hippie is a bohemian boutique located on The Landing, offering a modern take on timeless threads. Shopping for someone with an eclectic style? The Urban Hippie has your back, with down-to-earth yet eye-catching ensembles. You’ll feel even better about your purchase knowing that The Urban Hippie donates monthly to animal rescue groups.
Utopian Coffee is a top-notch gift choice for the avid coffee drinker in your life. You can stop by their cafe on The Landing to pick up some beans or merch. If you want to take your gift to the next level, Utopian Coffee offers year-round coffee subscriptions through their online store, featuring all their ethically sourced coffee. On so many levels, it’s the gift that keeps on giving.
The Visit Fort Wayne gift shop is a great place to nab some Fort Wayne-centric art, apparel, or specialty gifts—all made locally. If you’re shopping for someone with lots of Fort Wayne pride, stop in and check out their collection of souvenirs.
Pop-up Markets & Shopping Experiences
Holly Shopping & (NEW) Holly Village
Every year on Small Business Saturday, Holly Shopping takes over Downtown Fort Wayne’s 99 blocks with shoppers eagerly looking to support their favorite small businesses. On November 30, shoppers can catch a trolley between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. for transportation across Downtown Fort Wayne and its surrounding corridors for a shopping extravaganza.
You can also experience the magic of the holiday season at Holly Village, which launches during Holly Shopping and will run every Friday and Saturday through December 21. Holly Village features seven rotating artisans that will be different each day it’s open, taking over The Porch Off Calhoun with chalets full of handmade crafts, jewelry, apparel, pottery, upcycled textiles, candles, and more.
For specific dates and times, click here to visit the website.
Artlink’s Winter Market, Curated Shop, Cup Exhibition & Artament
For something truly one-of-a-kind, check out any of Artlink’s holiday pop-up events, featuring art, objects, and gifts from local creatives. Their Winter Market and Curated Shop both create pop-up shopping experiences with everything made locally. Their Cup Exhibition & Sale features over 100 cups and mugs made by local ceramicists, and their Artament shop features ornaments made by local artists. This is the stuff communities are made of.
For specific dates and times, click here to visit their website.
Gateway Corridor Shopping
Earth Adventures has been Fort Wayne’s local specialist in outdoor outfitting since the 1990s, offering canoe and kayak rentals, classes, a small bouldering gym, and of course, all the gear for your loved ones’ outdoor adventures. Give the gift of fresh air this holiday season.
Fancy & Staple is a go-to spot for the coolest, most unique gifts—featuring everything from home goods and art to apparel and accessories. Their selection is carefully curated with a signature funky style and any purchase is sure to please even your hippest of friends.
Fort Wayne Outfitters is your trusted shop for all your outdoor excursions. They have bikes, kayaks, canoes, clothing, and all the gear you need to get out and start exploring our region’s natural resources. Give a gift card for a one-time rental, or buy ‘em the whole kit and caboodle.
G.I. Joe’s Army Surplus has everything from military clothing to tactical gear. G.I. Joe’s is a unique find for survival products and more—with business dating back to the 1960s. Anyone who appreciates utility will love a gift from G.I. Joe’s, even if they were never in the service.
The HEDGE Creative House began as a fine art print shop and has since evolved. Local artist, Julie Wall, is the creative force and Renaissance woman behind The HEDGE—offering prints, letterpress services, workshops, engravings, calligraphy, and her own line of unique products, like statement jewelry, stationery, and artistic housewares.
Honey Plant expertly curates and cares for every plant in stock. Pet-friendly? Low-maintenance? Succulents? Something for that one friend who loves plants but can’t seem to keep them alive? With their extensive experience, they’ll help you find the perfect gift for any plant lover in your life. And with personalized care guides, they make it easy to keep your green babies alive. They’ll even repot and package your purchase on the spot!
Hopscotch House is the dreamiest local toy store in town. They curate their entire collection from smaller, independent brands and makers of toys designed to engage and inspire children. They even have a collection of vintage toys for those looking for a dose of nostalgia. Give the gift of joy to the little ones in your life.
If books are on your gift list—and they should be!—Hyde Brothers Booksellers is the place. It has all the cozy bookshop vibes, with plenty of comfy spots to read, preview potential gifts, or visit with the resident cats before checking out.
Meraki Co. is a boutique with women’s clothing, jewelry, accessories, home goods, stationery, even kids’ clothing. Picturesque and feminine gifts for all ages. Check it out!
Mercantile on Main offers the gift of nostalgia with their selection of vintage and upcycled apparel and home decor. Anyone into antiques or eco-friendly vintage clothing will appreciate what you’ll find at their stylish home-turned-storefront on Main Street.
Give the gift of Downtown Fort Wayne with Yiftee
Absolutely can’t make it out in person? Stumped on what to give that special someone? If you fit into either category, but you still want to support local businesses, consider giving Downtown Fort Wayne’s Yiftee gift card!
Giftees can shop and spend at over 40 different Downtown retailers and restaurants, giving them plenty of options. There’s something for everyone, making it an easy gift solution for anyone who’s community-oriented, or if you’re shopping for someone who you might not know very well, like a teacher or colleague.
To see the list of participating locations, click here. To purchase a card or learn more, click here.
Molly Conner is a Fort Wayne native and freelance writer. Having lived in Downtown Fort Wayne throughout her twenties, she loves watching her stomping grounds grow. With her love of storytelling and community in tow, she’s eager to tell Downtown Fort Wayne’s story piece-by-piece—exploring the people, spaces, and organizations that make it thrive.