‘Tis the Season to Shop Small
This holiday season, shoppers can expect some delay in gift delivery as online retail is expected to grow by nearly 20 percent. With more and more people celebrating the entirety of the holiday shopping season in the comfort of their homes, offline sales are expected to decline, having a direct impact on smaller local businesses.
Take the rush out of rush ordering and support Chatham County businesses while shopping safely. Many of your local favorites are hosting open houses and annual shopping events, all while adhering to social distancing guidelines. Is your gift list ready?
Hickory Mountain Antiques and Country Store:
From 10 a.m. on Saturday, November 7 to 4 p.m. on Sunday, November 8, Hickory Mountain Antiques and Country Store in Pittsboro will be hosting their Holiday Open House. With new inventory cycling in regularly, you are sure to find a most-unique gift for your loved one. Take a stroll through their Facebook postings to see what may be in store for you and your fellow shopping companions.
From smaller stocking stuffers to candles, tea towels, lanterns, soaps, lotions, pottery and Christmas decor, there are more than enough options to choose from. And, for those foodies out there, make sure to pick up a jar of honey or locally-made jam to add to your Christmas recipes. Bring the gift of homemade back to your home!
Chatham Studio Tour:
Mark your calendars for Saturday, December 5 to Sunday, December 6 and Saturday, December 12 and Sunday, December 13! The Chatham Artists Guild celebrates their 28th of its signature event, the annual Studio Tour. Nearly 70 local artists are active members of the guild, working to raise awareness for visual arts within the Chatham County community. The 2020 Studio Tour will be hosted during the first two weekends of December, allowing community members to meet 42 artists while adhering to social distancing protocols. Weekday hours are also available by appointment.
Paintings, prints, pottery, ceramics, woodworks, sculpture, jewelry and fabric art/wearables will be available for purchase throughout the tour. The Studio Tour brochure includes a directory of all featured artists and their offerings. Masks, hand sanitizing and social distancing will be required for all visitors as they meet with artists, learn about creative processes and, of course, shop! Learn more about destinations on the tour and start mapping your route!
Come Out and Play Sculpture Show:
When it comes to local art, there is no shortage in Chatham County. The Come Out and Play Sculpture Show, which features 80 artists from across North Carolina, will be held virtually this year. An exhibit that began as a tribute to the victims of the September 11 attacks. The event has now blossomed into a creative space to promote art, kindness and community connections. Traditionally, the show is held on a local farm in Chatham County, but this year, the founders are taking a different approach.
Beginning October 22 and ending on November 18, guests are invited to visit the virtual show to explore and purchase artwork. Participating artists are not required to pay a fee to showcase their work and keep all proceeds from their sales. Learn more about the featured artists and their work before you “visit.” Give the gift of supporting local artisans this year!
Dovecote Style:
Located at Fearrington Village, Dovecote Style offers a unique collection of apparel and accessories from renowned designers. No visit to Dovecote Style is the same, as displays and inventory vary from season to season. Their highly anticipated trunk shows will continue for the fall season, showcasing international artists and their designs right here in Chatham County. On Friday, November 20, Dovecote Style’s trunk show host will be Nadia Bevegni. Renowned for her hand-felted creations, Nadia spends a month in Italy each year collecting silk in couture fashion houses to design luxury scarves using a wool felting technique, a must-have for anyone on your list!
The show begins at 10 a.m.; however, private appointments are available by contacting (919) 542-1145.
Happy shopping! Share your favorite local retailers with us, so we can keep shopping and supporting long after the holiday season comes to an end.