The 4th Annual Cincinnati Unchained shopping event is this Saturday, November 20th. Cincinnati Unchained, a BuyCincy.com initiative, releases local shoppers from the chains of anonymous big box stores, and gives them instead a new opportunity to buy unique and interesting gifts for their loved ones from local businesses.
Every dollar spent at a locally-owned business generates approximately three times more economic activity than a dollar spent at a national franchise. By choosing to shop locally-owned for just one day, we can help support the local entrepreneurs in our own neighborhoods who help make Cincinnati unique.
Over 15 neighborhoods and 60 stores are participating in Unchained on Saturday by offering discounts and specials to shoppers. As an added bonus, Yelp and the Crafty Supermarket (an indie craft fair at the Clifton Cultural Arts Center, also on Saturday) has partnered with BuyCincy and is offering a shopper’s “passport” in the back of the craft fair program. Shoppers can have their passport stamped at Unchained businesses — once the passport is full, they can turn it in at any Unchained business to be entered into a raffle for more local prizes. In Bellevue and Over-the-Rhine, Yelp will have information booths for Unchained customers.
“We’re thrilled with the interest and excitement we’ve seen from local businesses for Cincinnati Unchained,” says Sean Fisher, BuyCincy co-founder and creative director. “Since we started it in 2007, Cincinnati Unchained has become not only a day to support local businesses, but a community event to celebrate them.”
Local restaurants are also getting in on the fun, and shoppers are encouraged to make a day of the Unchained event – exploring the city and its unique stores, having a bite to eat, and perhaps ending the evening at the official Unchained afterparty at MOTR Pub in Over-the-Rhine at 8pm.
“Local businesses are an integral part of our Greater Cincinnati economy,” says Kurt Myers, co-founder and business director of BuyCincy. “But they’re often our friends and neighbors, too. We hope that, with the success of Cincinnati Unchained, people will continue to build relationships with their local stores and neighborhoods and continue to shop local throughout the year.”
