The TCB 2018 Local Gift Guide — Week 1

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Local

Gift Guide 2018

Keeping it local The thing about retail

by Brian Clarey

To understand the current state of retail, you have to acknowledge that the country’s largest retailer doesn’t have any stores.

Yeah, I realize that Amazon does have a few brick-and-mortar shops and pop-up stores, but the point still holds.

Everybody can buy whatever they want, whenever they want… on their phones. And with a little effort, they can get the best price.

It’s a fantastic new world. Except when it comes to holiday time.

The thing about retail today is that everybody already has everything they want. Nobody needs a new coffeemaker because Alexa ordered them one as soon as the old one broke down. Or they went to a local retailer, took photos of it and found it cheaper online — which, by the way, is considered very poor form.

The new retail is founded on expertise and curation. You can’t buy a teenager a pair of random sneakers online, even if they are the right size and brand. But a clerk in any reputable sneaker store can tell you about the best and weirdest new issues.

Local boutiques screen through the morass of style to find the best stuff. Local markets cull from our own artists and crafters. Local merchants can give the backstory behind their goods — the reasons why they chose to sell them in the first place.

So what do you get for the person who already has everything?

The answer is: You probably don’t know. But your local retailer will.

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Local Gift Guide 2018

Hudson’s Hill 527 S. Elm St. GSO, hudsonshill.com The link between past and present is apparent at Hudson’s Hill, where an obsession with the old gives way to a contemporary interpretation of the classic.

Every good has a story, from custom leatherwork, a curated apothecary, brands made in the USA and an emphasis on denim.

They’ve got raw and selvedge jeans from Levi, Raleigh, Asbury Park, Hardenco, WH Ranch and more. You can shop them online, but a visit to the shop is like going to a museum.

Fainting Goat Spirits 115 W. Lewis St. GSO, faintinggoatspirits.com

Fainting Goat is Greensboro’s only grain-to-glass distillery. Named the 2017 NC Distillery of the Year, they consistently produce award-winning spirits and are beginning to release some barrels that have been aging since the place opened in 2017.

For the holidays, Fainting Goat Spirits has released its Christmas Whiskey for about $20 at the downtown location, and the newest blend — CB Fisher’s Straight Rye Whiskey — comes out Dec. 17. First come, first served. This limited run will definitely sell out.

There’s plenty of CB Fisher’s American Single Malt Whiskey, Tiny Cat Vodka and Emulsion New American Gin at the distillery, where tours and tastings run on Friday, Saturday and Sunday afternoons for $10 a person. Tour patrons may buy up to five bottles a year from the distillery, but there are no liquor sales on Sunday — just tastings. Find out more at the website.

Local Honey Artisan Hair Salon & Apothecary 233 Commerce Place GSO, localhoneysalon.com

Join Local Honey on BLACK FRIDAY for Infinite Allure Group from 5-8 p.m. This doctor-led medical center specializes in aesthetics and will be offering complimentary consultations and performing live demos. Meet the doctors and get educated on the latest treatments in advanced beauty. They will also be serving (their newest obsession) Par Avion Tea. Beyond award-winning hairdressers and colorists, Local Honey offers an immense collection of men’s grooming items from beard oils and balms to mustache combs and waxes.

Local Gift Guide 2018

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