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Support your Downtown this holiday season

Downtown is home to several holiday shopping options, including the stores of The Jacksonville Landing.

That perfect vintage book from Chamblin’s Uptown. A gift card to delicious Indochine. The latest high-tech toy for your little one from The Toy Factory.

Downtown Jacksonville makes holiday shopping easy.

With dozens of retail options all offering great gift options, Downtown can be your one-stop-shop for all of your holiday gift-giving needs. Not only will you find perfect, unique gifts for your loved ones, but you’re shopping locally and supporting our growing Downtown.

According to a Forbes.com article, shopping local not only supports small businesses, it supports the community as a whole – all while boosting the economy. “The small business might be the backbone of the community but the customers are the heart that keeps it vibrant,” writes Forbes.com contributor Deborah Sweeney.

Moreover, in 2010, the Institute of Local Self-Reliance released the Top 10 Reasons to Support Locally Owned Businesses, which include increased competition, job creation and community well-being.

If you don’t know where to get started with your Downtown shopping plans, let our Downtown shopping directory be your guide. And don’t forget to think outside of the box for gift ideas, from sports and concert tickets to museum memberships, bar tabs and kayak tours.

Our Downtown also offers several opportunities to buy local art and crafts projects for your gift-giving: tomorrow’s Art Walk, Friday’s Holiday at St. James’ craft bazaar; and every Saturday this month at the Riverside Arts Market. Also, wreaths will be available for purchase in Hemming Place every Thursday and Friday through Dec. 21 from 11:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Do you plan to shop Downtown this holiday season? How do you think shopping locally benefits our Downtown?