Tai Nam Market Center at Broadway and Argyle. Photo: Warren LeMay from Chicago, IL, United States / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
The holiday shopping season is about to begin, and small retailers in Uptown are going into it with a familiar mix of hope and caution.
Owners on Broadway and Argyle say their biggest worries this year are costs and timing. Prices for imported goods have risen with tariffs, and shoppers have grown used to buying later and later in the season.
Costs on the shelf
Gift shops, specialty grocers and boutiques that sell imported goods have seen higher wholesale prices since tariffs expanded in 2025. Some owners have raised prices. Others have cut their orders or shifted to domestic suppliers where possible. Many are carrying less inventory than in past years to avoid being stuck with expensive stock in January.
Traffic from the venues
The concert calendar at the Aragon and Riviera brings visitors to the neighborhood through the holidays. Restaurants and bars benefit most, but shops near Lawrence and Broadway that stay open late on show nights can catch some of that traffic.
Shopping local campaigns
Small Business Saturday, the Saturday after Thanksgiving, remains one of the busiest days of the year for independent stores. Many Uptown businesses plan special offers, extended hours or in-store events for that weekend. The approach echoes the holiday events that Uptown shops have used for years to draw customers off the main streets.
Online competition
Online retailers remain the biggest competitor. Local owners say their advantages are personal service, unique products and the ability to see and touch goods before buying. Several Uptown shops have added online ordering and local pickup to compete.
The bottom line
For many small retailers, the last six weeks of the year account for a large share of annual sales. A good season can carry a store into spring. A bad one can force hard decisions. Owners are hoping for steady crowds and fewer surprises.
Dana Ferraro covers property taxes, small business finance and the economy.
