Uptown GR Inc., in collaboration with its 2024 event sponsors, announces the return of the Uptown Shop Hop on Thursday December 5, 2024, from 3 to 9 pm. Shop Hop is the organization’s signature event and this year will celebrate its 27th consecutive invitation to the public to enjoy one of West Michigan’s most beloved of annual holiday shopping experiences, which takes place across the entire district of Uptown Grand Rapids. Record breaking business and attendee participation is anticipated once again for 2024.
During the event, patrons can holiday shop, eat, visit, enjoy entertainment, and make memories, all while supporting the hundreds of small and independently-owned businesses that are located throughout its four business districts – Eastown, East Hills, Wealthy Street, and East Fulton.
Each year, the event happens thanks to rigorous collaboration between the Uptown GR, Inc. organization and its volunteer-led committees; in past years the organization has enlisted support via partnership with various local agencies to plan and market the event as well.
However, this year Shop Hop will be helmed by the organization’s first-ever dedicated Events Specialist. Katie Zylstra joined the organization earlier this year and brings a wealth of experience, passion, and fresh ideation to the event. Through strategic efforts and investments spearheaded during previous Shop Hop events, the district has regularly experienced unparalleled increases in Shop Hop participation, public support, and brand awareness. Under Katie’s leadership, the organization is now poised to push the event’s potential exponentially further, and is experiencing more confidence than ever as it prepares to encourage an ever wider audience to consider a visit to its district for holiday shopping and merriment.
Says Katie: “As Uptown’s Event Specialist, it’s been a privilege to work alongside our remarkably supportive, creative, and generous businesses and volunteers. Their dedication to making this event a success for our community over the last 26 years is genuinely inspiring, and has allowed me to step into my role for year 27, effortlessly. I’m thrilled to be in a position to build upon the Shop Hop legacy and look forward to watching our enchanting holiday vision unfold soon. Only 28 days to go until the big day!”
This year’s event will again offer its free “jolly trolley” services, to transport attendees between districts and establishments. Uptown GR recognizes that trolley rides have become a much-loved tradition for many returning visitors and is pleased to keep that tradition alive, but offers the public the opportunity to create new traditions as well: This year the organization will make extra effort to arm patrons with information, signage and maps as well as will increase event staff and ambassadors. The goal? To encourage and empower event-goers to experience for themselves just how easily navigable and discoverable the Uptown district really is.
The Uptown Shop Hop takes place from 3 until 9 pm, during which over 150 small and independently owned businesses will be ready with everything needed for hyper-local shopping, dining, live entertainment, interactive installations, and more. The district has welcomed over 20 new businesses this year; many of whom will participate in Shop Hop for their very first time.
Per Ingrid Miller, Uptown GR Inc. Executive Director: “This year we’re delighted to welcome friends new and old to come discover the magic of our district, build rapport with neighbors, and support our unique local businesses, both those which are time-trusted district traditions, and those which are new to our unique and special business community. Though our organization seeks to create a district that Invites, Thrives, and Moves, all 365 days of the year, creating Shop Hop for our community is certainly our favorite annual opportunity to do so in the merriest and most special of ways!”
This event has been made possible in part thanks to the contributions of the following key sponsors: FERAL; Rebel/Sticky Fingers; Earthly Refillery; All In Hospitality; Barre3 Grand Rapids; Harmony Brewing Co; Wax Poetic Candle Bar. For a full list of all sponsors along with lots of other helpful event information, visit our Shop Hop web page.
Meanwhile, holiday shoppers and experience-seekers are encouraged to visit from now until December 24, where they will find a cheery and welcoming district that is fully accessible, walkable, and with gracious parking throughout.
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Find more holiday shopping and small business events at peoplefirsteconomy.org/gift-local-gift-good, your one-stop-shop this holiday season!
