July is Independent Retailer Month, which is a shop local event that encourages consumers to shop at independently-owned businesses, while also highlighting their positive social and economic impacts locally, nationally, and globally. 

Luckily, Downtown Tacoma is home to hundreds of independent businesses! And while they need our support year-round, July is recognized as a time to celebrate the small businesses who make our community special, help to build our economy, and create a more sustainable city.

Forbes stated, “With July being Independent Retailer Month, the time is ripe to explore how small independents are reclaiming their status as a major competitive force, and as crucial components of a thriving community.” 

From gifts and goods to boutiques, antiques, and so much more, Downtown Tacoma’s retailers are creating and curating the best the Puget Sound has to offer. Our community is filled with creative spaces and hard-working small business owners who have helped put Tacoma on the map, even being recognized as a Maker City by the renowned e-commerce company Etsy. 

This month and all year long, shop local and support downtown’s small and independent retailers. Browse our full list of shops here!