It’s the season of giving in Philadelphia. And the only thing that feels better than giving this time of year is finding the perfect gifts while supporting local businesses — especially those that have been hit hardest by the pandemic.
To bring awareness to the importance of supporting these businesses, the City of Philadelphia has declared each Friday in December of 2022 to be “Shop Black Business Friday.”
And Philly makes it easier than ever to support these businesses during the holiday season in 2022.
From the brand-new (and free) Philly PHLASH Shopping Loop to the ever-popular Made in Philadelphia Market in Dilworth Park to pop-up markets in West Philadelphia and beyond, locals and visitors have plenty of opportunities to shop small in Philly.
Read on to learn how you can support Black- and Brown-owned businesses in Philadelphia this holiday season, and be sure to check out our Shop Black and Brown-owned Businesses page for more.
December 2-30, 2022 (Fridays)
On Thursday, November 17, 2022, Philadelphia City Council announced a resolution to declare each Friday in December of 2022 “Shop Black Business Friday.” The resolution — issued in collaboration with Visit Philadelphia in support of our Black- and Brown-owned Business initiative — focuses on showcasing and supporting local Black-owned businesses this holiday season, especially on Fridays. A centerpiece of the initiative: the free Philly PHLASH Shopping Loop. For more on that, read on.
Where: Various locations including Grant Blvd, 3605 Lancaster Avenue
November 25, 2022 – December 23, 2022 (Fridays)
All aboard! Visit Philadelphia and the Philly PHLASH are teaming up to debut the Philly PHLASH Shopping Loop. The bus route — providing easy access to Black- and Brown-owned businesses in four separate Philly neighborhoods — departs from the Independence Visitor Center at noon each Friday before making stops in the South Street Headhouse District, West Philadelphia, Northern Liberties and Center City. The bus spends one hour in each neighborhood, allowing shoppers to pop in and out of the many Black- and Brown-owned shops and boutiques at their leisure. (Find 21 great shops in those neighborhoods here.) The bus is free, but registration is encouraged.
Where: Bus departs from the Independence Visitor Center, 599 Market Street
We tapped Philadelphia Eagles Cornerback James Bradberry to curate the holiday edition of our Shop Philly collection. James is proud of the holiday collection he’s curated — and he’s particularly proud that the collection is focused exclusively on Black- and Brown-owned businesses. Browse the collection, purchase your favorite items for all the people on your holiday gift list, applaud yourself for supporting a local business and then plan to hit up the stores in person during your next Philly adventure.
Where: Shop online
Through Sunday, January 1, 2023
Shop small in the shadow of City Hall. This locally sourced holiday market in Dilworth Park features more than 40 local vendors — with a special emphasis on minority- and women-owned businesses. After shopping, check out the rest of the wintertime fun at Winter in Dilworth Park, which includes a large ice skating rink, a scenic wintergarden and nightly holiday light shows.
Where: Dilworth Park, 1 S. 15th Street
Open Wednesdays through Sundays
An empty lot in West Philadelphia has been transformed into a community-focused outdoor shopping mall with the help of 20 repurposed shipping containers. Each one houses a pop-up shop from local business owners, all of whom are people of color. The container community space is located on the 4800 block of Parkside Avenue and is open from noon to 7 p.m. Wednesdays through Sundays.
Where: 4800 block of Parkside Avenue
Through January 15, 2023 (Tuesdays through Sundays)
More than 30 Black-owned businesses and Black creators set up shop in West Philadelphia’s historic Black shopping corridor during this special holiday pop-up market. Offerings include artwork, jewelry, books, clothing, home décor, health and wellness products, skin care and hair care products, and more.
Where: 26 S. 52nd Street
The Mount Airy Collective’s pop-up event at the Black-owned Vault + Vine shop features seasonal shopping, food, music and artisan goods from a number of Black-owned businesses, including Mount Airy Candle Co., House of Stuyvesant and more.
Where: Vault + Vine, 3507 Midvale Avenue
Be loud and proud about your support! Spread the word about supporting Black- and Brown-owned businesses this holiday season over social media. Head to Visit Philadelphia’s Love + Grit Instagram page to see five custom Love + Grit Instagram stickers that you can use in your Stories and a special “Shop Black Business Fridays” frame that you can use in Stories and Reels while documenting a trip to a Black-owned business or opening up a gift at home.
Where: Online only
The Visit Philly Overnight Package — booked more than 190,000 times since 2001 — comes with free hotel parking (worth up to $100 in Center City Philadelphia), overnight hotel accommodations and choose-your-own-adventure perks.
Black-owned spas, boutiques, bookstores and more...