There’s nothing better than getting together for the holidays. So your local small shopkeepers have united to make the dollars you spend on the Hill go even further.
Eastern Market Main Street (EMMS), Barrack’s Row Main Street (BRMS), the Capitol Hill Association of Merchants and Professionals (CHAMPS) and the Capitol Hill Business Improvement District (BID) are pleased to announce the 3rd Annual Better Together Small Business Gift Card Exchange, on from Nov. 29 through Dec. 1.
Kathleen Donahue, owner of Labyrinth Games & Puzzles (645 Pennsylvania Ave. SE) and chair of the EMMS promotions’ committee, conceived of this promotion 3 years ago when local businesses were struggling after COVID shut-downs. As a business owner and resident of Capitol Hill, she recognizes that the survival of the small, local businesses that call Capitol Hill home is truly critical to the unique nature of the neighborhood. She continues to spearhead the effort each year and is thrilled to have more participation than ever for 2024.
This holiday season, 30 Capitol Hill small businesses have come together to help spread holiday cheer and one another. During the Better Together promotion (November 29th to December 1st), when you buy from one of the participating small businesses*, you’ll get a free gift card to another local spot. If you visit all the participating locations, you could collect multiple gifts from up to 30 unique locations, with qualifying purchases!
It’s a chance to discover new gift ideas and new places to shop local. Capitol Hill shops are rolling out the red carpet for this neighborhood-wide celebration. Donahue says it’s a holiday party for DC —and everyone’s invited. “Come explore the hidden gems in our community and soak up the charm of our neighborhood.” Leah Daniels, owner of Hill’s Kitchen (713 D St. SE), adds “We’re excited to give customers the chance to discover and other local businesses. It’s always fun to share an amazing shop or restaurant just a few blocks away.”
There’s plenty of fun planned, In addition to the Better Together gifts to customers, Labyrinth Games & Puzzles will be hosting a free cookie-tasting contest to raise funds for Toys for Tots. Other local shops have their own exciting events scheduled.
It’s a great time to try new places (extra benefits!) and the places you already love (still extra benefits)!
By shopping at these Capitol Hill businesses, your holiday dollars friends and neighbors and go right back into the community. These businesses are the unsung heroes ing the neighborhood, from Little League teams, veterans’ groups, school bands, DC teachers and more.
Natalie Walker from La Collina restaurant (747 C St. SE) invites everyone to come check it out. “We’re thrilled to welcome DC residents and beyond to our Capitol Hill community for a day of shopping, dining and celebrating local,” she said.
Tony Tomelden, owner of The Pug bar, reminds everyone that Capitol Hill has you covered this holiday season, “On Small Business Saturday, there’s no need to leave the Hill. We’ve got everything you need right here!”
For more information and a map of the participating businesses, visit http://dcbettertogether.com.
*Participating Businesses: Eastern Market Pottery • Clothes Encounters • Mr. Henry’s • City Dogs H Street • Jade Fitness • Peel Haus Aesthetics & Plastic Surgery • The Pug • The Miracle Theatre • Santa Rosa Taqueria • Good Stuff Eatery • We, The Pizza • Café Berlin • Relume • Music on the Hill • DCANTER Wine Boutique • Hill’s Kitchen • Granville Moore’s • The Queen Vic • Labyrinth Games & Puzzles • La Collina • Pure Barre DC • Valor Brewpub • East City Bookshop • Barrel • Ginkgo Gardens • Chiko • Frame of Mine • La Casina • as you are. • Little District Books • Hill East Burger • Caruso’s Grocery
