Shop local!
Here’s why it’s nice:
You’re helping stimulate your local economy.
We often don’t realize the difference the smallest of our decisions can make. When you choose to spend your money in your own hometown, you’re actually helping create new jobs in that area—and promote tourism. It’s like a domino effect. The more money people are spending in a particular area, the more businesses open up in that part of town—leading to more people visiting and the creation of jobs not only in those new businesses, but in those that supply, protect, and serve them as well.
All of which means more employment, which means more people with jobs putting their money back into their neighborhood’s pocket. Approximately $68 out of every $100 spent locally is reinvested in the area, versus just over $40 with a larger retailer. And local sales tax also puts our dollars back into physically and socially bettering our community. As the cycle continues, we’re better equipped to survive economic downturns and strengthen our area to the point that it thrives.
You’re also reducing the carbon footprint—unburdening the environment.
Another plus when we support local establishments is that they too look to other vendors in the area for the goods and materials they need to run their businesses. And by them shopping locally too, they’re eliminating the need for additional packaging and extensive transportation—two of the major factors contributing to pollution and environmental harm. So, while they’re saving time and money—keeping costs lower for us—the greatest benefit of shopping and sourcing from within our own community is one that greatly impacts us all.
If that’s not enough for you, here are a few more facts to get you thinking about where to spend your money:
Your purchases get personal.
Often times, you’ll gain a totally new perspective on customer service. Purchasing from local merchants gives you a rare—and underrated—shopping experience because you’ll get a chance to “meet your maker” and gain a greater appreciation for what you’re spending your hard-earned dollars on. Additionally, more than 90% of small business owners personally create, partner up with, or donate to charities and non-profit organizations—doing good on a deeper level by supporting local causes and those in need within the community.
“As a small business, you put yourself into every detail of what you make, what you choose and how you present it. When someone shops from you it’s so rewarding! You feel as if you’ve connected with them because they understood and appreciated your vision.” -Aida Sabina of Trinkets for D.
When asked why she supports businesses like Wynwood Shop, Maura says, “No matter how inexpensive your purchase, the ability to be face-to-face with the people behind the products you love is invaluable. It adds appreciation for craftsmanship and ingenuity, and the inextricable value of knowing you’re buying something that came from someone’s hard-working hands—not just off some assembly line, or from an exploitative factory somewhere across the world.”
You inspire more amazing people—and maybe even get inspired yourself.
When you look at it that way, you become something greater than an everyday consumer. You become a collaborator and a driving force. Because with the opportunity to get to know a brand and the people behind it, you’ll likely learn the “why” behind their business and products too. This sparks engagement, loyalty and more recognition for the brand, designer, or artist. And when you get to that level of connection, sometimes you just can’t help but become a supporter, an activist, a contributor, an inspiration, a friend—sometimes even an entrepreneur yourself. And by supporting the people who make the things you like to see in the world, they get to do more of it. Fueling innovation by encouraging others who have amazing things to offer to get out there and start doing so too.
So you see, "Buy Local" is much more than a happy-go-lucky philosophy. It’s a smart move with a major ripple effect that can make a substantial difference in the well-being of your community. Give it a go this holiday season. Your loved ones, your town, and your conscience will thank you for it, guaranteed.
The 30th of November is the annual American Express Small Business Saturday—a day between Black Friday and Cyber Monday that allows us to support and recognize small businesses in our town. As always, Wynwood Shop will be showcasing unique pieces, so make sure to join us to show your love to local brands and artists. Remember, when you buy local, and you'll be giving your entire community—and yourself—a gift.
Click here to RSVP: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/wynwood-shop-small-business-saturday-2019-tickets-52295687810
Learn more about American Express Small Business Saturday: https://www.americanexpress.com/us/small-business/shop-small/about?linknav=us-loy-nav-aboutshopsmall
]]>
FACTS: “Keeping up a business-as-usual trend will have plastic outweighing fish in the ocean by 2050.” -EARTHDAY.ORG
We can’t imagine any scenario in which that would be a good thing for anyone. But we do know that spreading awareness changes things for the better. That’s why we want to take this Earth Day as an opportunity to drop some knowledge that can uplift us all.
Stir with a spoon.
Just say no to coffee stirrers and plastic straws. Simply use a spoon—or metallic straw—to stir, then simply wash and reuse it. Check out the local brand “Rise & Shine” who’s helping make an impact with their great-looking gold and silver metal straws.
Prefer to go paperless.
“If every US household opted to receive online statements rather than paper, then we could save 18.5 million trees, 2.2 billion tons of greenhouse gases, and 1.7 billion pounds of solid waste per year.” Seriously, come on. It’s 2019. Say goodbye to paper every chance you get (CVS—we’re looking at you).
Choose Earth-friendly fire.
The fact is that all lighters are bad for the environment—1.5 billion of them end up in landfills every year, and their composition is of plastic and butane. If you want to be environmentally-friendly about your fire, please opt to strike a match instead.
Commit to a container.
Let’s keep our beaches beautiful, our beaches clean, and our animals safe. Choose to use reusable cold and hot drinking bottles over disposable plastic ones. Whether you’re staying hydrated, enjoying your latte or loving your cold brew, choosing a temperature-keeping container to tote your beverage is the savvy and responsible thing to do.
Make second-hand second nature.
Donate goods and clothes that are still in good usable condition. Someone out there will be grateful you did, and you might benefit from some tax savings as well. And next time you’re shopping, consider checking out second hand places first for unique and rare used items at a fraction of the cost. For the best vintage clothing or records in Miami check out the French 75 Vintage collection at Wynwood Shop.
Curb your meat consumption,
You don’t have to convert to veganism—but committing to just one meat-free day a week makes a difference on the impact meat-consumption has on the planet. If you didn’t know, it takes 2,500 gallons of water to produce just a single pound of beef—and a single hamburger can be partially responsible for the destruction of fifty-five square feet of forest.
Light up with energy efficient bulbs.
Energy efficient lightbulbs are a bright and simple way to reduce the amount of power you use. Think about this: if every house in the USA opted for energy-efficient bulbs, it would reduce as much pollution as removing one million cars from the road!
Lastly, see how you’re making an impact. We suggest taking the Oceans and Plastic Pollution quiz.
Making a difference starts with you, so please share this blog post with a friend or two.
]]>
There’s little we love more than an ice-cold beer on a hot Miami day. So we’re appreciating—and getting to know—the fine breweries that quench our thirst and make Wynwood a better place.
Check out our interviews with J. Wakefield Brewing—Wynwood’s only independent, family owned brewery—and Concrete Beach Brewery—an impressive 20-barrell social hall with a small-batch roster on tap.
What’s the story behind Concrete Beach?
We were founded in 2013 as new artisanal craft beer brewery project from the co-founder of Magic Hat and the founder of Boston Beer Co. Today, we have an artistic array of classically brewed ales and lagers that complement any occasion.
Why Wynwood?
Because we are big believers of making art and drinking beer! Wynwood is such an artistic neighborhood, and we serve as a creative gathering space for the community. We’re proud to be part of the craftspeople within this area—and take great pride in our beer.
Top three favorite flavors?
Our top three are Havana Lager, Sola IPA and Stiltsville Pilsner.
Where can your beer be found?
Our social hall and brewery is located at 325 NW 24th Street. For a list of bars, restaurants and retailers that sell Concrete Beach in your neighborhood, check out our beer finder.
Anything else we should know?
We’re gearing up to celebrate our 4-year anniversary on Saturday, May 18th and have a lot of surprises in store. In addition to our anniversary, we’ve started planning for our 2nd Annual SOLA FEST—a music festival highlighting local-Miami talent. It will take place in August and we’ll be announcing more details soon. We hope you’ll join us! Follow us @Concretebeachfl to stay in the loop.
What’s the story behind J. Wakefield Brewing?
It’s the brainchild of founder Johnathan Wakefield—an accountant turned brewmaster after receiving a “Mr. Beer Kit” from his wife. His exotic and eccentric concoctions earned him a following and in 2013 he was invited to brew at Tampa’s Cigar City. He then left his accounting career—and Tampa—behind, returning home to Miami to pursue his real passion and open his brewery in 2014.
Why Wynwood?
It just seemed like a natural fit for us to be in the art community—and we weren’t wrong. You can always find creative patrons in our taproom, enjoying our unique, inventive brews—many often sipping as they sketch. We also chose Wynwood as our home because from brewing to branding, beer-making is a pretty creative process. What better place for inspiration than Miami’s hub of creative-commercial endeavors?
Top three favorite flavors?
Our rarest, limited beers—Orange Dreamsicle (which just dropped this March), Desperado, and It Was All A Dream.
Most well-known brews?
Big Poppa, which is a delicious coconut, vanilla and coffee imperial stout. Our signature Florida Weisses Miami Madness—brewed with mango, guava and passionfruit. And DFPF, a dragon fruit and passion fruit Berliner which will now be available in bottles.
Where can your beer be found?
Our taproom, of course, which is right in the heart of the Wynwood, located at 120 NW 24th St. We’re also locally distributed by Gold Coast Distributing, and by Cavalier Distributing throughout the rest of Florida. You can always use our beer finder and we’ll point you in the right direction.
Anything else we should know?
We recently participated in Cloudwater Brewing’s Family and Friends festival in Manchester, United Kingdom, and poured some rare and exclusive beer at Other Half Brewing’s Pastrytown Festival in Brooklyn, NYC. And up next, we’ll be pouring at Sprung! 2019 here in Miami on April 6th!
And if you’re a fan of—or curious about—Florida Weisses, Pastry Stouts, and other off-the-wall beers, J. Wakefield Brewing is for you. Follow @jwakefieldbeer, and @thekingofallpattah, wherever social media is consumed!
There you have it—cheers friends!
]]>Nothing says Wynwood like the larger-than-life art that covers every inch of its buildings, sidewalks and signs. But with so much to see here, it’s hard to know where the very coolest stuff is—even when it’s 30+ times your size and staring you in the face. That’s why we made this short list—with a bonus map at the end—to help you find what no real street-art-lover should miss.
Argentinian-born Felipe Pantone combines bold colors, geometric patterns and Op Art elements to liven up our streets—and our spirits. The LAB’s members can especially appreciate this bright, visual pick-me-up as they come and go from the shared workspace each day.
Where to find it: 400 NW 26th St
Internationally-known street muralist, ZED1 (@zed1_marco)—also known by his human name, Marco Burresi—enchants Miami with his distinctly whimsical puppet figure art.
Where to find it: 498 NW 24th St
South Africa’s British-born Sonny Sundancer (@sonnysundancer) has us stopping in our tracks every time we lay eyes on his cosmically cool 26 x 10m creation.
Where to find it: 375 NW 23rd St
We can’t get enough of this piece by Australian graffiti artist, @Sofles—who brought his mind-bending talent from the land down under to leave us with this unbelievable imagery during Miami Art Basel 2018.
Where to find it: 333 NW 23rd St
We’re over the moon too every time we see this fun work of art created during Miami Art Week in 2016 by @Muckrock and @Catlintheartist.
Where to find it: 2135 NW 1st Ct
Miami-known, Los Angeles-based artist—Tristan Eaton— created this architecturally-enhanced masterpiece(s) in 2016 for us to feast our eyes on. Bonus: you’ll find it sweetly located just steps away from Wynwood’s beloved Salty Donut.
Where to find it: 50 NW 24th St
We love this weerdly cool collaboration between skilled street artists: @Weerdo1994, @Godsandgoodfellas and @Mutavision.
Where to find it: 3098 N Miami Ave
Wynwood locals know this one well. Though we don’t have any backstory on it—just that it’s signed by Zefáno—we do know that this serenely disturbing vision of an elephant swimming through littered waters is both sobering and intriguing.
Where to find it: 2531 NW 2nd Ave
We love our friends from Toronto, Canada. The married duo created these pieces in December 2017 for Miami Art Week. Now they are instilled within the Wynwood Shop for all our visitors to enjoy.
Ready to see it all for yourself? Here’s that map we promised for your mural musing pleasure. Now just don’t forget your camera!
]]>
Need a little guidance from the natives? Check out our all-time favorite must-see, must-go places. We promise you won’t be disappointed.
Tucked in the heart of Wynwood, the WAREhOUSE attracts and welcomes thousands of students and visitors from around the world for its famed Margulies Collection—a non-profit operated and funded by the Martin Z. Margulies Foundation. It’s considered by curators, critics, artists, dealers and collectors as one of the most important collections of its kind.
They say the Oliver Cole Gallery is a contemporary gallery, featuring modern street and pop art. But you wouldn’t be wrong to describe its unique collection of glowing skulls and faceless teddy bears as futuristic, ambient eye-candy that’s also very creepy/bougie/cool.
This is a one-of-a-kind find – and one of the truest expressions of Wynwood. Founded by William Braemer nearly 20 years ago, this long-standing Chelsea-style gallery has given countless emerging artists from around the globe their chance to break into the discerning Miami art scene.
Just steps away from the famed Wynwood Walls, Concrete Beach Brewery’s classically brewed selection of ales and lager compliment the array of art that surrounds their 20-barrel brew-hall. Real Brewski-lovers are most welcome to take a tour Monday-Friday at 7pm, and Saturdays and Sundays once an hour between 1-4pm.
Chef Michael Lewis, and general manager Steven Haigh, have brought a seriously fresh concept to Miami with their opening of KYU. No joke, this is literally every Wynwood Shop’s associate’s favorite spot to eat. The Raging Geisha is our favorite cocktail, hands down—it’s a delicious mix of double-aged Toki Japanese Whisky, St. Germain, Thai Basil, and obliterated Cucumbers (yeah, don’t ask) with fresh dill. There. Is. Nothing. Like. It. And our favorite food on the menu? Try the Fried Cauliflower, the Beef Tartare, and the absolutely to-die-for Thai fried rice stone pot.
They say “Gramps is a bar with lots to drink and do.” And it’s true. There’s always something new and different happening here, which makes it the perfect home-away-from-home hang out whether you’re a local or a passerby. And with friendly employees, good old-fashioned air conditioning, cold beer, and cocktails, you just can’t be a grump at Gramps. P.S.: Try the Tropical Pizza and our favorite cocktails, Penicillin and Cucumber in Paradise. You’ll thank us later.
You already know. ;)
]]>If you’re familiar with Wynwood, then you know there’s no shortage of cool kids rockin’ the latest fashion trends. Here’s a list of some of our favorites for Spring 2019.
]]>
And one thing we’ve known every single day of the year is that all these incredible moments – and all the regular days in between – would not have been possible without you.
Painting by King Redd. done at the one year anniversary party with signatures from the shop employees and participating vendors.
We – along with our fantastic family of local and small brands – celebrated turning 1 all under one roof. Together, supporting the collective, we shared one hell of a fun night of live music and painting.
They popped up for you. You showed up for them. The love was real as featured brands from all over Wynwood took part in Black Friday weekend as a thank you to those who support local all year long.
Live bands. Artists painting. Closed streets. Over 30 vendors in the Alley around the clock – and an employee slumber party at the shop so we could extend our hours of operation and welcome guests from early in the day till late into the night. It was unforgettable, as Art Week should be.
We got digital and launched www.wynwoodshop.com – a fun and functional online shopping experience – to be at your service 24/7.
The cool people over at Culture Crusaders shared some kind words about us with the internet.
And then El Nuevo Herald did too.
Every bit of our success we owe to you. Your support is everything. And we can’t thank you enough. So thanks again! We look forward to another incredible year and we wish you a fantastic 2019!
]]>When you put your dollars where your home is, you’re making a much bigger difference than you might think.
]]>
When you put your dollars where your home is, you’re making a much bigger difference than you might think.
(Pictured: Wynwood Alley Artisan Market, our weekly street marketplace and shopping experience featuring local artists, brands and designers.)
When your money stays local, it does a lot of people a lot of good. Your purchasing power actually creates new jobs. It’s true. The more local employers exist, the more employees are needed. People with jobs means more people that can also shop locally.
“By not being mass produced, I am able to give my customers truly unique pieces with much greater value, at lower prices.”
Many local businesses also use local resources – meaning they’re also shopping locally. This is great because when goods and materials don’t have to travel extensively, packaging and transportation fees are reduced or eliminated. These savings allow them to keep the cost of their products lower for us.
Marcela López – one of our favorite jewelry designers – says, “By not being mass produced, I am able to give my customers truly unique pieces with much greater value, at lower prices.”
Cutting down on transportation means reducing excess pollution too. And another positive effect on our surroundings comes from local sales tax, which goes back into the community, meaning nicer roads, shared spaces, and more resources for our safety, security, health and fun.
When you purchase from local merchants, you’ll often get the rare opportunity to connect with the people that created those things you like.
And when you get to know them – understanding their motivations and challenges – and they get to know you too, a simple business transaction becomes a much richer personal relationship. You’re not just a faceless consumer of their product, but a real participant in their personal success – and in all the lives they also touch through their work.
Take Aida Sabina of Trinkets for D, for example. Founder of a Miami-based bohemian and tribal accessories line, she calls her business “a journey in love, healing and awareness” – created out of necessity as a mother of a child with autism. When asked why she believes that supporting local is important, Aida says, “You’re not only helping your own community thrive, you’re also being compassionate because you’re helping individuals and their families get by – and flourish.”
When you shop local for authentic, made-in-Miami (or any other city’s) fashion, art and goods, you’re directly investing in someone. But even more fascinating is that your support has an unseen inspirational domino effect – one that is extremely powerful. When you shop local, you’re also indirectly inspiring countless others to bring forth their contributions and creations.
Creations that might be the next big innovation, launch great causes or shape the next big movement. Movements like the one that lead to little ol’ Wynwood evolving from a destitute no-man’s-land, to a full-blown touristic destination that’s put Miami on the map as one of the greatest street art meccas in the world. Think about that!
Over the past five years, the team over at the Wynwood Shop grew from an outdoor market of local brands and street artists, known as Wynwood Alley, into brick and mortar gemstone in the heart of Miami’s Art District. Shine Design and Shop is a favorite among Wynwood Shoppers. The brand has grown immensely over the years into a shining trademark. We sat down with the pair to ask a few simple questions. Let me introduce to you Gabriela Alvarado and Mayelin Briceño.
Where are you from?
From Barquisimeto, Venezuela.
How did you both meet?
We both met through our husbands, they are brothers and we are sisters-in-law. Whenever anyone asks us this question we summarize and say that we're sisters!
When and how did you start designing earrings?
We started 8 years ago in Venezuela. When we arrived in the United States we were inclined to design a different, colorful and daring style. This country has made us grow a lot. We left our comfort zone, we have challenged ourselves, and we constantly keep creating daring designs for our Shine Stars. We have always designed earrings from the start, but we have diversified our collections because repeatedly receive comments like, ”how beautiful! How different!” We love the combination of colors, and little by little have expanded and offered different styles,. We have a wide range of designs from the simplest to the most fearless.
What are your plans for the future?
We have A LOT! We currently concentrated in getting our brand known beyond the state of Florida. We hope to build a nationally recognized brand.
What are your favorite designs?
Mayelin: I love them all but I’m more inclined to the wire-wrapped earrings in bright colors.
Gabriela: I love all our creations, but I am a day-to-day type of person. Depends on how I feel. There are days when I want to use our bold collections, there are other days I like the big wire-wrapped earrings, others days when I need my pearls, my quartz or my druzzies. I also love our little earring collection.
Check out and shop Shine Design and Shop new summer collection 2018.
]]>Signed and unsigned OBEY prints and stickers are available now, exclusively in store.
As long-time supporters of the street art movement, we’re proud to announce that we’re officially the only art gallery and store in Wynwood with OBEY prints and merchandise for sale.
Father’s Day is almost here – and that means it’s time to recognize the paternal figures in our lives. So, whether you’re shopping for your dad – or yourself – here’s a short list of unique Father’s Day gifts that any dad will dig!
Great Father’s Day gifts for the dope & dapper dad
Bow ties, sunglasses, wallets and watches handcrafted from locally-sourced wood + real vinyl records – for the naturally cool dad. (Shop Tv Head Co)
Dad hats, redefined. Sunika Karaun = “Sneaker Crown” – perfect for the king of the fam. (Shop Dungeon Forward)
Atomic shades to make him shine. Because good taste deserves good design. (Shop Atomic)
Out-of-this world prints – what dad wouldn’t lose his mind over this artistic bad-assery? (Shop Fuenmayor Art)
If art appreciation is in his blood, these cool cans are the gift that keeps on giving – they’re art by the artist that used them to make art. (Shop RodriDesigns)
Get symbolic. Appreciate the man that’s been your anchor with these sleek & charming bracelets. (Shop Arrowhead V)
]]>