Chicago City Wire

Mayor Brandon Johnson and the Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP) have launched the Shop Local Chicago: Neighborhood Pride campaign. This initiative is designed to encourage both residents and visitors to explore different areas of the city, meet local business owners, and support neighborhood businesses during the holiday shopping season.

The campaign focuses on neighborhoods such as Little Village, Rogers Park, Auburn Gresham, among others, highlighting the importance of shopping locally to maintain the unique character of each community. The BACP also emphasizes consumer protection efforts to ensure shoppers are informed and protected when making purchases at local stores.

“When we support Chicago’s small businesses, we’re supporting families, entrepreneurs and the future of our city,” said Mayor Brandon Johnson.  “The Shop Local Chicago: Neighborhood Pride campaign is a reminder to discover and support small businesses this holiday season. As the holiday season approaches, I encourage every Chicagoan to explore a new neighborhood, try a new shop, and experience first-hand what makes Chicago a vibrant hub for community and entrepreneurship.”

“Now is the time to discover what our small businesses have to offer,” said BACP Commissioner Ivan Capifali. “Through the Shop Local Chicago: Neighborhood Pride campaign, we want residents to rediscover what makes Chicago’s neighborhoods so unique. By shopping local, residents can help sustain local jobs, support entrepreneurs and keep our city’s neighborhoods strong.”

Thanksgiving weekend marks the unofficial start of holiday shopping with events like Black Friday, Small Business Saturday—taking place this year on November 29th—Cyber Monday, and Giving Tuesday. Many small businesses depend on this period for significant portions of their annual revenue; according to industry sources such as Constant Contact and data from the Small Business Index, most small businesses rely on holiday sales for at least one quarter of their yearly income.

To assist business owners during this busy time, BACP will promote its ongoing Shop Local Chicago campaign which highlights how shopping locally supports jobs and strengthens communities (Chicago.gov/ShopLocal). Additionally, a free webinar titled “Holiday Success Strategies: Attracting Customers and Boosting Sales” will be held on Friday, November 7 at 9:30 a.m., with registration available at Chicago.gov/BACPwebinars.

BACP will also highlight programs run by Neighborhood Business Development Centers (NBDC), aiming to foster engagement along commercial corridors through various events (Chicago.gov/NBDC).

The department reminds both consumers and businesses about rights and responsibilities through campaigns like Be Informed. Be Protected., which provides resources on avoiding fraud (Chicago.gov/ConsumerProtection), as well as Ride Smart Chicago offering guidance for passengers using taxicabs or ride-hailing services (Chicago.gov/RideSmart).

For more information about BACP's services or these initiatives visit Chicago.gov/BACP.