9 Ways to Shop Local in Stark County, Ohio

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Go to downtown Canton, Massillon and/or explore other downtown areas of other stark towns and cities. 

Do a $5-20 challenge of finding something at a local business and purchasing from them. Why not? If you can go to a big brick and mortar and spend X dollars nearly mindlessly (Gab was a cashier three times) why wouldn't you do it locally instead? 

Did you know we've had people at least five people tell us 

"I won't go downtown because I'll get shot"

Is it true that Canton is a violent city? Yes! Does it happen downtown? Sometimes! A lot of violent crimes in our city are typically gang related. Do I have a source for that? No. 

Be Smart, Be Safe, Be Prepared and usually things are ok. 

We love downtown Canton, We love First Friday, We love the Palace, We love the Library and likewise for downtown Massillon, Navarre, Canal Fulton, Louisville etc. It is heartbreaking that so many people are quick to shutdown an opportunity to go be part of our community because of all the fear mongering that goes on with the media. 

Just go, be safe, have a good time, come home safe. 

Check out the links on the events page

When you master your grocery needs and planning (Will we ever?) It is a great idea to buy bulk foods locally. No need for a pricy membership, no gimmicks, just plan and go. If you're smart with your shopping you'll never regret it. 

Why pay those big stores that act like it is so exclusive to shop there just so they can treat you like a thief on the way out. I hate the ones that make you show them your membership card on the way in. Screw off! I'll never regret leaving those stores behind. 

Maybe I do want to buy 6 months worth of pasta ahead of time

Maybe I do want to get all my christmas cookie needs from the local bulk store.

Let's shop smart Stark!

Check our grocery listings on the foodies page under grocery

This kind of goes with #3 but some of the local Butchers are just Meats & Cheeses only. You are certainly going to get more for your money and it would be wise to invest in a chest freezer, buy what you need bi-monthly or quarterly and freeze the meats correctly. Also you'll need a vacuum sealer and proper freezer bags. I know it sounds like a lot right now but in the long run these items pay for themselves.

Again local butchers can be found on The Foodies Page

There has already been a blog post discussing the farmers markets in Stark County. Read it here

Consumer Benefits Include:

Purchase directly from a family farm. 

Obtain cultural/specialty fruits and vegetables not easily available in supermarkets. 

Purchase of local products, which strengthen the local economy while decreasing the demand on transportation from outlying areas.

Check out the creative minds page!

Ideas for local gifts:

• Baked Goods

• Handmade Goods - Wood, Soaps, Other Foods

• Artwork & Prints

• Handcrafted Jewelry

If you go to downtown Canton you'll find the arts district where gifts like these are in great supply!

Downtown Massillon and Canal Fulton have amazing stores too! GO GO GO

Possible Benefits of Banking Locally

• Lower fees: Lower overhead means that community banks can provide more free account options and fewer fees

• Higher APYs

• Relationship-based banking

• Faster decisions

• Profits go to your community

You'll want to check our Business Types page for Local Bank Options

Local auto repair shops often have lower overhead costs compared to dealerships and large chain stores, allowing them to offer more competitive pricing. Some dealerships may be required to use only OEs (original equipment parts), which also can drive up the cost of repairs.

Visit the hard labor crew page

This kind of goes with #2 but its more about commiting to regular events. Like go to The Lincoln Theater in Massillon at least once a year, go to The Palace Theater, go to events at the library that are typically free. 

For example, we're huge fans of Danny Trejo We loved Desperado and other films he has been in. Because we are active with the library we got free tickets to see him speak in Spring of 2023 at the Palace Theater. Those free tickets were gone within hours after the post went up on Facebook. What a great time it was, Danny spoke with true weathered wisdom and we got his cookbook and fell in love with the food.

If we weren't actively following the library and regularly going we wouldn't know!

Another library event we attend annually is Digging in the Dark, it is an annual Genealogy event that can help you find out more about your ancestry. 

Go to First Friday in Canton A Year Round Event on the 1st Friday of the Month https://cantonfirstfriday.com/

Massillon has Last Saturday events IG Last Saturday Massillon

Stark Library - https://www.starklibrary.org/