Go Local: Exploring Staten Island's Small Businesses with The Locavore

Supporting Staten Island's Local Economy

• 🛍️ The "Go Local" series, featuring Caroline Weaver (The Locavore), aims to encourage holiday spending at Staten Island's small businesses to support local communities.
• 💡 Shopping locally for even a few gifts can make a significant difference, especially for businesses that rely heavily on Q4 sales.

Caroline Weaver's Insights on Local Shopping

• 📚 Caroline Weaver, author of "The Locavore Guide to Shopping in New York City," shares her expertise on identifying and supporting independent brands.
• 📈 Trends observed include a boom in vintage clothing stores and a move towards analog communication by shops, such as physical catalogs.
• 📱 Weaver emphasizes the importance of asking permission before filming in stores and putting phones away during checkout as a sign of respect.

Featured Staten Island Businesses

• 🧸 Steph's Creativity Corner is highlighted as the only independent toy store on Staten Island, offering personalized gifts for children under 12.
• ♻️ Nothing New Thrift Shop is praised for its community donations, new gift items, and its owner, Jod, as a community figure.
• 📚 Everything Goes Bookstore Cafe is described as a community hub offering eclectic books, fair-trade coffee, and hosting events, with a nearby store selling vintage clothing, furniture, and home goods.
• 🍺 Holiday Beverage is recommended for its impressive selection of local craft beers and seasonal options.
• 🎭 The St. George Theatre, a historic and restored venue, is noted for its community programs and performances.
• 🎁 Gifted is a charming gift shop focusing on seasonal items, perfect for host gifts, home decor, and table settings.
• 🕰️ Historic Richmond Town offers a living history village experience with a shop selling handcrafted items like traditional tinsel, brooms, and butter stamps.
• 👾 Hypnotronics Comics is a classic comic book store near the ferry, offering collectibles, toys, and games.
• 🐠 Frag Farm specializes in rare, home-grown coral for aquariums, featuring bizarre and glowing specimens.
• 💌 Plum Paperies is a lovely stationery shop on a street with other small businesses, specializing in invitations and custom items.

Community Recommendations

• 🌳 The Chinese Scholar Garden at Snug Harbor is called a hidden gem for a day trip.
• 💈 FreshKills Barber Shop is recognized for great cuts, old arcades, and a strong sense of community.
• 🍪 Problem Baker is mentioned for its incredible cookies.
• 🏛️ The Staten Island Children's Museum is suggested as a great place for gifts for grandchildren.