Published 9:00 am Thursday, December 8, 2022
By Staff Report
By Kara Kimbrough
Full disclosure: I enjoy shopping at actual brick and mortar stores. Retail therapy is important to me, especially at Christmas. And, I feel good knowing I’m supporting businesses that in turn, support Mississippi families in particular and our state in general.
As shopping season gets into full swing, it’s vital to patronize local business owners. Second, consider joining me in an effort to support small and family-owned businesses, regardless of their origin. I’m certain they’ll appreciate our business much more than multi-billion dollar conglomerates.
I can’t think of a better way to illustrate my point than to highlight some of the businesses represented at the Junior League of Jackson’s 2022 Mistletoe Marketplace, along with some new friends from other areas.
Besides creating a wonderful event that attracts hundreds of visitors to Jackson, the proceeds from Mistletoe – in excess of $1 million – help thousands of deserving Mississippians, ranging from sick babies at UMMC to underprivileged school children and elderly services.
As you begin making your gift and entertaining shopping list, consider shopping these and other small or family-owned businesses. Many have websites and 800-numbers for online shopping.
I learned the family-owned company was founded to honor Andrew Friedman, a dedicated husband and father who was killed in the 9/11 attacks on the World Trade Center. Called a “gentle giant, the 6’5” Friedman always put others ahead of himself, setting the standard for the “Tall Order” sons Dan and Mike, co-founders along with mom Lisa, try to match in business and in life. Both boys grew taller than their late dad and needed large-size socks.
As a result, Tall Order was born. In addition to larger sizes, Tall Order sells regular sizes of socks as well as underwear and shirts. The best part: 10% of all sales goes to charity in honor of their late dad. For more information, visit www.tallorder.com.
If you have a Christmas shop, event or restaurant’s holiday meal you’d like me to mention, simply drop me an email and I’ll add it to an upcoming column before the season ends.
Kara Kimbrough is a food and travel writer from Mississippi. Email her at kkprco@yahoo.com.
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