Small Business, Big Style

           Usually on a boring day we do the one thing that makes any day better, shopping. When we get around to go shopping we usually have one place on our mind, and that is the mall. While the mall may be a great place to get the urge to shop out, why not try a new place? The next time you are planning a trip to the mall or  just to get up and go why not stop by your local downtown, or the shop right around the corner. Shopping small has made a big impact on people lately, but I want to help emphasize what all you are doing to help a business when you shop small, and also what great things you can find just a few blocks from your house. Shopping local helps the community out in many ways, first it helps create more local jobs, creates relationships within the community, helps gain more product knowledge, and helps support someones local family instead of a big chain corporation. In Lee's Summit, MO I decided to take the day to help show people like me and you exactly the different kinds of experiences you can find shopping local.

LUXXE APPAREL

LUXXE has great outfits ready to pick up and buy at their boutique. They have all the great spring and summer trends that people are urging to buy. Bell sleeve tops and 2 piece outfits are some of the top trends that are selling through the roof at this store. They have friendly girls who are ready to stop and help style you for any occasion. This would definitely be my pick if you need an outfit for any occasion or just looking to adding a few things to your wardrobe.
https://www.facebook.com/LuxxeApparel/

VERY VIOLET

This small, but completely amazing store has all of your home decor needs. They sell everything from pictures, refurbished furniture, accent decor  and homemade candles to luxurious locally made soaps. You can pick out your own succulents to plant, and take in all the neat ideas these ladies have made come to life. This is the best store to just lose yourself in creativity and think of all the different things you can use to decorate your house with.
http://www.veryvioletboutique.com/

A THYME FOR EVERYTHING

At this hidden gem you can stroll in for a look around the store, they offer all the things you would want in your kitchen like cookbooks, spices, teas and great dip mixes. When you stop in and shop you can grab a sweet treat such as Elbow chocolate delivered fresh form KC. While looking around you will notice the kitchen in the back of the store, not only can you shop but you can sign up to take cooking classes right inside. They offer different time slots and menus to sign up for.
http://www.athymeforeverything.com/

THIRD STREET SOCIAL

While your trip to the local shops come to and end make sure to pick up some delicious food on your way out. Third street social is the place you are going to want to try. This restaurant has vastly become the hot spot to dine in Lee's Summit. They have great deals for happy hour, the atmosphere will have you feeling happy and social. The most important thing about this place is the FOOD. Your taste buds will thank you after a meal here.
https://www.thirdstreetsocial.com/

I hope that I  have shown everyone that visiting your local shops and restaurants can be just as good or even better of and experience than just a trip to the mall. You can make a great day out of it and will be looking forward for the next visit.

Written by Catherine Zuniga