Shop Small This Season, For the Fun of It

Spoiler alert: this is not a lecture about online shopping.

Ask most people about their favorite holiday memories, and you will hear stories. Stories about cherished recipes, longstanding traditions, and memorable, sometimes quirky, family members. With few exceptions, these are stories about people and moments of connection.

As online shopping has become commonplace, fewer memories are made wandering local stores with a friend, coffee in hand, discovering new clothing, art, books, and unexpected treasures. And yet, those experiences are as accessible as ever in Springfield.

From strolling Springfield’s ever-expanding downtown Main Street, to thrifting or a quick bite at the Paramount Center, to exploring the full mix of retailers and restaurants at Gateway, local businesses are opening doors and working hard to showcase what they have created for the season. What you will find is often more unique, immediately available, and competitively priced – plus it comes with a story worth sharing.

The University of Oregon and NextStep Recycling teamed up to open the Surplus Store on Q Street, where affordable treasures abound from electronics to furniture to household appliances and more.

Hawaiian Island Grill in the Mohawk area is your one-stop shop for an authentic Hawaiian plate lunch and tropical dole whip for dessert.

Oakshire Commons offers a welcoming space downtown for friends to gather, enjoy craft beer and pizza, and view a rotating display of local art on the walls.

Of course, the spirit of giving is wrapped up in every dollar you spend locally. After all, every one of those dollars keeps our businesses in business, which sets off a chain reaction of wonderful things like job creation, tax-base expansion, and a strengthened sense of community. Those ripple effects matter and they follow every local purchase, even when fun and connection are what bring you through the door.

The holiday season is a time to reflect on what matters most, including health, family, and generosity. It is also meant to be enjoyed. This season, venture out, explore Springfield’s local shops, and have fun finding a gift that creates a memory of its own.

Castle of Games at 2100 Main Street offers a variety of board games, table games, miniatures, and more.

The Laundromutt Firehouse at 2787 Olympic Street has everything dog-related – including toys, treats, supplies, and gift cards for bathing or grooming services.

Looking for a specific item or business? Check out the Springfield Chamber’s website and search our database of more than 800 local member businesses.