The Holiday Season is all about giving – not just gifts, but support and love for our community! When you choose to shop at a Small Business, you’re doing so much more than just crossing off an item on your list. You’re helping your neighbors, friends and local makers thrive!
At Happy Dog Barkery, we see firsthand what shopping small means every day. It’s the excited bark from a pup who can’t wait to get their Liver Cake. It’s the smile from customers when we have the same goal in mind, aka giving their pup the best food, treats, and toys possible. And it’s the ripple effect that happens when you support a small business – because that support spreads!
Here’s why supporting Small Businesses matters so much!
- You’re supporting real people, not corporations – you’re helping local families, artists and dreamers pour their hearts into what they do
- Keeps your money local! – roughly 68% of the money you spend stays in the local community as opposed to the less than 40% from chains store
- Your gifts tell a story – each product from a small business has a story behind it whether it’s of creativity or chaos. Plus, many of these gifts are made by hand, are carefully curated and are not mass produced.
- You help keep the community vibrant – Small Businesses add character, warmth, and in this case, Liver Cake, to Downers Grove. They’re the places that remember you, your name and dogs. We celebrate with you and mourn with you and that is our greatest honor.
- You make a HUGE impact – Your purchase might feel small, but to Small Businesses like us, it means EVERYTHING! It keeps our lights on, staff employed, ingredients flowing through the kitchen and helps keep all of our equipment running.
As we close out year 21, we are truly grateful for everyone who has stepped foot or paw (or wing or hoof) into our store. From all of us here at the Barkery, THANK YOU for supporting small and being a part of our story. We hope you’ll swing by while checking off your Holiday list. Check out our Holiday Gift Giving Guide to see some of our favorite products for the season! Plus, order your dog their Holiday Cakes, Cookies and other Bakery to make sure they are fully stocked this Holiday Season!
Whether you’re looking for a gift, gift card, or something to eat during your shopping, there are a wide variety of shops in Downtown Downers Grove! To celebrate going into year 22, here are 22 of our favorite Small Businesses in DG!
- Adorn512 Jewelry – Handcrafted Jewelry and Accessories *
- Anderson’s Bookshop – the perfect place to shop for any book lovers, conveniently located two doors down from us! *
- Angelo’s Pizza – “The oldest and still the best pizzeria in Downers Grove!”
- Ballydoyle – Tasty Irish food and Pub *
- Berto’s Deli – Italian Deli with sandwiches, salads, pasta, and so much more
- Cadence Kitchen & Co – ‘Good Beats, Great Eats. *
- Every Day’s a Sundae – Ice Cream Shop with Cakes, Homemade Waffle Cones and Sundaes
- Evelyn Jane Boutique & Sweet Jane – Handmade jewelry and gifts and across the street is a one stop shop for everything for Moms and their babies
- Fair Game – from card games to board games to puzzles, they have something for all ages
- Fern Downers Grove – One of the newer stores in Downtown Downers Grove! Plant store featuring unique finds and build your own terrariums *
- Gatto’s – family owned and operated Italian restaurant and Bar with three locations (DG, New Lenox and Tinley Park)
- Leffelman Meat Center – Originally opened in 1954 in Rural Illinois but reopened by the Owners Great Grandson in Downers Grove! Farm fresh meats including their handmade sausages *
- My Special Toy Store – Games, puzzles, books, educational toys, science kits and more!
- Orange & Brew – Bottle Shop, Tap Room and Illini gathering place (though they welcome everyone)
- Pierce Tavern – Neighborhood hideout with Burgers, Bourbon, Beer and much more *
- Pinecone Cottage – Teas, homemade sweats, and catering
- The Foxtail – Mediterranean influenced food *
- The Cellar Door – Wine Shop & Bistro
- The Paper Peony – Hand Letter pressed greeting cards, paper goods and other gifts *
- Verbena Soap & Apothecary (Formerly magnolia’s Soap Co) – more info to come as they transition to a Small Business!
- Vintage Charm – Our neighbors! – Women’s boutique featuring clothing jewelry, shows, bags and more *
- Wasabi – an Asian fusion restaurant and bar
*Gift cards available for purchase on their website. Check in store for more options! Or visit the Downtown Office to purchase gift cards good at many of these businesses.
Did we miss your downtown business? Let us know and we will add you and make it 22+!