Chicago area small businesses were boosted Thursday by a mix of last-minute shopping and customers wanting to support local businesses.
“This year, especially, I think it’s important to show up and do what you can,” said Adam Nirenberg.
Oak Park business owner Gail Eisner said people are making a consciences effort to shop local.
"They said, ‘we are here, we want to support you,’” Eisner said.
Milk Money Brewing, a new business in La Grange, served freshly-brewed beer-to-go to walk in customers.
“We had our pre-orders, which was a nice kind of base for us today, but a lot of people coming in, getting those crowlers for their social distancing Christmases and getting those last-minute tee shirts or glasses to drop in the stocking,” said vice president and general manager Lucas Bumba.
Last-minute shoppers also braved the cold weather at Oak Brook Center.
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“It hasn’t been so crowded like it usually is,” said shopper Donna Young.
A spokesperson said the center has been busy throughout the holiday shopping season and many young guests continued the tradition of visiting socially distanced Santa.
