PILSEN — Throughout the city, small businesses have felt the economic turmoil of the coronavirus pandemic.
In Pilsen, family-owned restaurants like Sabor y Sazon and coffee shop Step Down Cafe closed earlier this year.
Now, as a second wave of coronavirus cases surge across the city, businesses are once again having to navigate “fear” and “uncertainty” — but now it’s coming during the holiday season, said Julio Velazquez, owner of Escaramuza USA in Pilsen.
Velazquez, who sells traditional Mexican crafts and other items, has seen fewer people coming into his shop over the past three weeks. He said he is just getting by.
Ald. Byron Sigcho-Lopez (25th) said small businesses, particularly restaurants, are “worried about survival” during winter. This year, it’s important for those doing their holiday shopping to shop local, he said.
As you start your holiday shopping, we rounded up some unique gift ideas from Little Village and Pilsen.
If you want your local shop to be featured, please fill out the Google form at the bottom of this page. We’ll gladly add it to our list.
Little Village
Artesanias Elena, 4333 W. 26th St., Website
Tucked on the western end of 26th Street, Artesanias Elena offers an assortment of accessories, decorations and clothing hailing from Aguascalientes, Chiapas, Guerrero, Guanajuato, Tonala and Jalisco.
From crosses with the Virgen de Guadalupe to handbags to bracelets, the shop offers a variety of items for all ages.
You can reach the shop at (312) 840-8454 or elena@artesaniaselena.com.
Prosper Skate Shop, 2620 S. Central Park Ave., Website
Located in the heart of Little Village, Prosper Skate Shop offers decks, trucks and bearings for the skateboarder in your life. The shop also carries T-shirts, hoodies and footwear.
In-store shopping is available noon-7 p.m. Monday-Saturday and noon-5 p.m. Sundays. Orders can be placed online. (773) 277-0950.
Moreno’s Liquor, 3724 W. 26th St., Website
With hundreds of varieties of tequila and mezcal in stock, Moreno’s Liquor is sure to satiate the thirst for someone on your holiday list.
Customers can support the family-owned by shopping in-store or browsing the inventory online.
In-store shopping is available 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday-Saturday and 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Sundays.
Curbside pickup is available, and delivery is available noon-8 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday within a 5-mile radius of the shop. 773-277-7737 or 773-277-6787.
Yollocalli Arts Reach, 2801 S. Ridgeway Ave., Website
Headquartered in Little Village, Yollocali Arts Reach, 2801 S. Ridgeway Ave., is an award-winning youth initiative run by the National Museum of Mexican Art.
Yollocalli’s online merch store, which offers sketchbooks, zines, coloring books, button packs and greeting cards, support youth programs.
Orders can be placed online for delivery.
Pilsen
Zarai Imports, 1724 W. 18th St., Facebook page
Zarai Imports has a variety of traditional and regional artisanal apparel imported from Mexico.
Customers can find shawls, sweatshirts ($49.99), guayaberas ($35.99) and more. The shop, 1724 W. 18th St., also sells accessories, handcrafted necklaces, earrings, decorations and face masks.
Store hours are 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Tuesday-Friday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday. In-store shopping is limited to 25 percent capacity.
Shoppers can schedule an appointment by calling 773-297-7077.
Chicago Midwest Made, 1517 W. 18th St., Website
Chicago Midwest Made, 1517 W. 18th St., has custom T-shirts, hoodies, jerseys and hats for children and adults.
The shop is offering 40 percent off on Black Friday and Cyber Monday.
In-store shopping is available 2-8 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday and noon-8 p.m. Friday-Sunday. Orders can be placed online for delivery or for pickup. (312) 722-6808.
Pilsen Community Books, 1102 W. 18th St., Website
Along with offering the usual bookstore fare, the new owners of Pilsen Community Books have tailored their selection to the neighborhood.
For those who want to learn more about history from the neighborhood, Pilsen Community Books has “Chicanas of 18th Street” in stock ($29).
Store hours are noon-5 p.m. Monday-Saturday. You can order online. (773) 750-7313.
Escaramuza USA, 1644 W. 18th St., Website
Inside the densely packed shelves of Escaramuza USA, you’ll find a wide array of traditional Mexican crafted items, accessories and decor.
From brightly colored vases to handpainted crosses and holiday decorations, Escaramuza carries an assortment of items for loved ones.
Some items are available to order online for delivery or pickup. (312) 563-9779.
Vinyl from 606 Records, 1808 S. Allport St., Website
Opened in 2015, 606 Records is stocked with new and used vinyls from indie, underground artists. The impressive selection includes records from international musicians.
You’ll also find hoodies, T-shirts, totes and other merchandise at the shop.
In-store shopping is available noon-7 p.m. Friday-Saturday and noon-5 p.m. Sundays. Orders can be placed online for delivery. (312) 585-6106.
MASHALLAH Jewelry, 1840 S. Halsted St., Website
Chicago-based designer Mashallah Ghouleh offers a beautiful collection of handcrafted jewelry. The eco-friendly collection includes ethically sourced gemstones and metals made from electronic waste. The minimalist designs for necklaces, earrings and bracelets run for about $36.
In-store shopping is available 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Thursday-Sunday. Email info@mashallah.us.
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The Link LonkNovember 25, 2020 at 12:00PM
https://blockclubchicago.org/2020/11/25/shop-local-2020-a-little-village-and-pilsen-holiday-gift-guide/
Shop Local 2020: A Little Village And Pilsen Holiday Gift Guide - Block Club Chicago
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