Queens Business Groups To Valentine's Day Shoppers: 'Buy Local'

QUEENS, NY — The Queens Economic Development Corporation has teamed up with 43 other business alliances and organizations across New York City to promote local sellers ahead of Valentine's Day.

The "Sweethearts Shop Local" program is meant to encourage New Yorkers to support their neighborhood's small businesses when buying gifts for their loved ones this Valentine's Day by shopping locally, ordering directly from businesses' websites, buying gift cards and spreading the word on social media.

The Queens Economic Development Corporation’s MadeInQueens program compiled a list of suggested Queens-based small businesses to support and is encouraging customers to amplify them by posting on social media with the hashtag #SmallBusinessSweetie.

• Callio Fragrance: Perfumes in a wide range of scents. Plus gift cards, sets, and travel packages.
• Culiraw: Raw vegan desserts. Plus, free decoration on nine-inch Valentine’s Day cakes.
• Lavender Works: Environmentally friendly body scrubs, soaps, and balms made by low-functioning adults with autism.
• MumsKitchens NYC: Brownies, cookies, bars, and Caribbean treats available in special gift boxes.
• My Works of Art: Oil paintings, drawings, and custom portraits made by a local artist.
• R+D Designs: Fun, kitschy, 3D-printed jewelry. Introducing the new “Keep it Simple, Cupid” collection.
• Raw Bliss Balls: Raw vegan snack balls in a variety of flavors.
• Sandra Smith: Bags, clutches, face masks, shirts, and pillows.
• Sathē: Kimonos, blouses, shawls, and bags made by refugees.
• Scent by Heaven: Candles, sachets, and air fresheners.
• Tembo: Totes, masks, and bandannas handmade by a Bangladeshi women’s sewing cooperative.

The participating Queens organizations are the 82nd Street Partnership, Bayside Village BID, Jamaica Center, Long Island City Partnership, Sunnyside Shines and Woodhaven BID.

“This initiative is raising awareness about the importance of shopping locally and supporting
small businesses,” 82nd Street Partnership Executive Director Leslie Ramos said in a statement. “By doing so, we help preserve jobs and protect our local economy.”