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Writer's pictureJesse Whale
Nov 21, 202210 min read

Local Kingston Shopping Guide: A List of Artists, Businesses, Creatives & Makers


 

*ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED NOV 2020 and REPUBLISHING FOR 2022*


Hello! And welcome to the blog post that was created to help you shop local to Kingston ☺


I'm sure you've been reminded of how important it is to shop local and support small businesses as much as you can—especially during a pandemic. And I'm here to drive that point home! All of those cute graphics and quotes aside, this is just a bit of the magic that happens when you shop local...

You keep more money in your local economy

  1. You celebrate the uniqueness of your community

  2. You support local jobs

  3. You help the environment

  4. You encourage community

  5. You conserve your tax dollars

  6. You benefit from their experience

  7. You invest in entrepreneurship

  8. You make your community a destination

  9. You positively impact someone's day

And as for Kingston? We're surrounded by all the small businesses and makers you could think of! You can find everything that you would find on Amazon from a local or small business. Sure, ordering online is easy and convenient—but when did convenience become more important than helping our neighbour? Supporting our community? Having a friendly conversation? There's a lot to be gained from shopping local. You might even make a new friend or find the product of your dreams!


Now that I've convinced you to shop local, let's chat about how I've organized this post.

  1. First... I list small businesses, artists, markers, curators who sell products without a physical store. I also list online markets where you can shop from a handful of these at once.

  2. Second... I list the entrepreneurs and small businesses that offer personalized and private services like personal training, personal shopping, pet sitting, reiki and healing, private chefs, etc — all likely to not have a physical store.

  3. Third... I list all Food and Drink options with a physical location.

  4. Fourth... I list all Hair, Spa and Esthetic options with a physical location.

  5. Fifth... I list all Health & Wellness options with a physical location.

  6. Last... I list all Retail Storefronts, Galleries, and Centers,

In addition to Kingston folks, I've also included some from Gananoque, Bath, South Frontenac area because these artists/makers/creators could also use our support and they contribute to our economy when they pop up in Kingston for art shows and such. This post is OPEN AND READY for suggestions! I'm aware I likely missed some people but PLEASE don't take it personally. I've exhausted the resources I could find online and on social media but some likely slipped through the cracks. My thinking behind who's included in this post is any business that sells a product or service that could be purchased as a gift. If I've missed your business or anyone you know, please email jesse@closettcandyy to let me know the business name, website or social channels, and which categories it should be featured under and I'll update as soon as I can. Also, if you notice a name that is featured under the wrong or not enough categories—please let me know that as well. I want to keep this post as accurate and up to date as possible so I'll need your help :)


Now let's get into it!



RETAIL STOREFRONTS & GALLERIES

 

Antiques, Art & Art Supplies

Baby & Kids

Bath & Body

*Most, if not all of the hair salons and spas listed earlier also sell their own lines of product.

Books

Cameras, Electronics & Equipment & Repair

Cards

Candles

Crystals + Gemstones

Clothing + Accessories + Shoes

Thrift

Eco-Friendly Living

Flowers & Plants

Health & Wellness

Home Decor & Furnishings

Indoor & Outdoor Equipment

Jewelry, Eyewear & Watches

Knick Knacks / Toys / Board Games

Music / Movies / Entertainment + Experiences

Pet Care, Food & Training

Tattoos & Piercings

Recreation



ARTISTS, CURATORS & MAKERS

 

Art + Artists

Baby & Kids

Bath & Body

Cards

Candles

Clothing & Accessories

Eco-Friendly Living

Hair Accessories

Jewelry

Home Decor & Furnishings

Macrame + Fiber Artist

Masks

Knick Knacks

Music

Pet Treats

Plants & Holders

Woodworking

Other

* You can also find some of the above businesses online at the following websites and virtual markets:


PERSONAL & PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

 

Cleaning Services

Food + Drink

Health & Wellness

Home Organizers

Interior Design & Decor

Hair & Makeup

Personal Styling & Shopping Services

Pet Care & Training

Photographers

Specialized / Other Services


FOOD & DRINK

 

Breweries

Coffee

Food + Drink

Take-Out & Restaurants


HAIR, SPA & AESTHETICS

 

Hair


Spa Treatments & Aesthetics


HEALTH & WELLNESS

 

Acupuncture, Chiro, Massage & Physiotherapy

Dance Classes

Fitness & Yoga

Mental Health



 

If you have any suggestions for this post, please email them to jesse@closettcandyy.com. And if you appreciate the content I write and would like to show your support, you can make a donation here.

Thanks for reading and shopping local!

Jesse

 

Do you love and learn from the content I'm creating, and are looking for a way to support it? This is it. Your support enables me to able to keep writing, taking photos and creating content that is valuable and tangible, without ever shifting the focus to selling brands or sharing content I don't wholeheartedly believe in. Creators deserve to be paid for their work and I thank you from the bottom of my heart for your support.

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