If you make it a practice to brave the crowds on Black Friday – the traditional day-after-Thanksgiving stampede that starts the Christmas shopping season – consider amending your plans this year and stop at Bazaar Bizarre.
"I think more and more people are becoming sensitive to the true cost of mass-produced mall goods," says Bazaar Bizarre Cleveland organizer, author, blogger and owner of Knitgrrl Studio. "Whether you consider the environmental impact of shipping them here from overseas or the horrible conditions where they're made. I would rather have one lovely handknit scarf than ten different cheap ones from the store!" There's also the bonus of having your hard-earned and carefully spent dollars stay in the area or go to support artists who live nearby. "We do get a lot of vendors from outside Cleveland, but the majority are from Ohio," says Okey.
This year's Black Friday event, held November 27 and 28 in Cleveland's Larchmere neighborhood during the annual Holiday Stroll, is the first of two shopping events. You'll have another chance to browse 80 additional vendors (the Larchmere event will feature 50) on December 12 and 13 at 78th Street Studios.
"The East Side edition of the show is new, of course, but we have some exciting first time vendors, and old favorites as well," says Okey. "We're encouraging people to get out into the surrounding neighborhoods and shop after they've checked out the show...Larchmere and Gordon Square have some other amazing shops to check out, too, not to mention independent restaurants and other fantastic things to explore." She adds that the new East Side venue is an ideal way to reach shoppers who may not have made it to West Side and downtown events in the past. "In addition, it helps us get in more vendors who might not have had a chance to participate otherwise, and it's great timing."
Though most people realize the days of fusty craft shows peddling homespun wares are long gone, it's important that shoppers understand they really can find something for everyone. "Don't rush around from mall to mall!" says Okey. "You really can shop for everyone on your list at Bazaar Bizarre, whether you want to buy a screenprinted onesie for your new niece or a lovely piece of jewelry for your grandma." Shoppers can also grab a show booklet, which provides information on vendors and sponsors that can be used as a year-round reference.
Lastly, Okey insists that Bazaar Bizarre can help you live out those fantasies of creating beautiful handmade gifts for all your loved ones this year. "If you don't have time to make it yourself, shop at BazBiz and consider your list covered!"
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