ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828news NOW) — As Western North Carolina continues its long recovery from the damage and economic disruption caused by Tropical Storm Helene, small businesses are urging residents to keep their holiday dollars close to home.
With national retailers rolling out deep discounts for Thanksgiving weekend, Asheville-area merchants say “Shop Local Friday” carries added weight this year, providing a needed boost for independent businesses still regaining their footing.
Local shops, artisan galleries and holiday markets across the region are leaning into the weekend with expanded events, festive celebrations and reminders that spending locally helps stabilize neighborhoods hit hard by the storm.
At the Grove Arcade, the Southern Highland Craft Guild is preparing for Saturday’s Holiday Tree Lighting Block Party with live craft demonstrations, an indoor-outdoor holiday market and evening entertainment leading up to the 8 p.m. tree lighting. The Grove Arcade will also host jazz performances, a DJ set, pop-up bars and a visit from Santa as part of its all-day celebration.
Historic Biltmore Village is launching its “It’s a Wonderful Village” festivities from Nov. 29 through Dec. 31, while the WNC Farmers Market is spotlighting locally made gift baskets and gearing up for its Holiday Night Market on Dec. 6.
Business owners say the support is more critical this year, especially as many continue to rebuild from Helene’s impact. New Morning Gallery urged shoppers to prioritize local artists, noting that purchases directly support makers whose studios and income streams were disrupted this fall.
Asheville Mall, Lexington Glassworks, LoCol Vintage Market and Black Mountain Center for the Arts are all hosting seasonal pop-up markets and maker events through early December.
ArtsAVL and Visit Asheville are encouraging residents and visitors to choose local gifts, from handblown glass and pottery to regional food products and crafts, emphasizing that each purchase keeps money circulating in the community as recovery continues.
Communities beyond Asheville are also joining in. Canton’s 5th annual Kris Kringle Market will bring more than 50 local vendors, children’s activities, live music and a lantern stroll to Sorrells Park on Dec. 5.
From Hendersonville’s WNC Wonderland Market to neighborhood pop-ups across Buncombe County, organizers say this year’s holiday season is not just about celebration, but about resilience.
For many small businesses, they say, a strong Shop Local Friday could mark an important step toward a brighter year ahead.