Christmas in July shopping event to support Hendricks County small businesses & Project A.N.G.E.L.
By Lindsay Doty
Brownsburg business owner Acacia Carney had no idea how the COVID-19 pandemic would impact her online women’s boutique, Liberty James. She had only launched her dream shop in 2019, selling everything from affordable breezy dresses to hip leather jackets. She didn’t know how things would shake out.
“I braced myself for a negative impact. Surprisingly, the boutique has absolutely flourished during the COVID months and our customer base has grown not only locally across Hendricks County, but across the country,” said Carney.
She credits that to relationships in a supportive community.
“Every relationship, including retail, starts with an introduction,” she said.
Liberty James is one of 20 local businesses set to participate in the Christmas in July shopping event on Saturday, July 11 in Brownsburg.
It will feature more than 20 vendors inside the Elevate Office in Brownsburg’s Arbuckle Commons, 7230 Arbuckle Commons. Shoppers can purchase gifts, get discounts, and find out about unique locally-owned stores and online shops.
Vendors range from Schakolad Chocolate Factory in Plainfield to The Hayloft in Brownsburg.
“One of the many reasons everyone enjoys these events is to see what is all out there. Many guests learned about new businesses in their own town, that they did not know were even there,” said organizer Melanie McCloud, owner of Melz, a store for natural, hemp-based products in Brownsburg.
McCloud and fellow business owner McKenzie Crose with McKenzie Agency Farmers Insurance are sponsoring the event. They put together a similar shop Saturday event back in November.
“Shopping local is so important, but due to COVID-19, this event means more to local businesses than ever before. This event will be a great way to allow the community to come together in one place and support the local businesses,” said McCloud.
Christmas in July will also raise funds and awareness for Project A.N.G.E.L. (Area Neighbors Giving Extra Love), a nonprofit based in Avon that helps struggling families in Hendricks County during Christmas. Shoppers will be able to enter a raffle for prizes with the funds going back to the organization. The charity will also be collecting gently used shoes.
Christmas in July will be Saturday, July 11 from 12 to 5 p.m. at the Elevate Office in Brownsburg. The first 25 customers will receive free items from Hendricks County businesses, including flowers from Garden Gate Gift and Flower Shop in North Salem and muffins from Gluten Free Creations.
For more information, head to https://www.facebook.com/events/257556168727080/
