The Office of the City Clerk launched the "Shopping in Solidarity" initiative across Chicago in response to the economic challenges Chicago businesses are facing as families cut back on spending and celebrations due to federal funding cuts, rising costs of living, immigration raids and tariffs.
This initiative provides an opportunity to bring people from outside these communities to support our neighbors and take action by encouraging people to spend their money locally. Our walks encourage Chicagoans to spend their money where their values are.
When we shop locally, whether it's in Little Village, Auburn Gresham or Albany Park, we're strengthening and boosting our local economy, creating a positive cycle of economic growth and uniting Chicagoans.
Why is Shopping in Solidarity important?
Shopping local matters because it strengthens our communities, boosts our local economy and provides environmental benefits, creating a ripple effect that keeps our money circulating in our communities.
Supporting local businesses strengthens community relationships. Local business owners who know their customers are more likely to engage with them, making it easier to build connections and a sense of belonging. A strong social fabric is important for community unity, especially during tough times.
When we shop at local businesses, they are more likely to reinvest those dollars locally by supporting other local establishments, creating jobs and fostering a sense of community. This reinvestment creates a positive cycle of economic growth.
Lastly, shopping locally has environmental benefits. Local businesses typically have a smaller carbon footprint than large companies, helping minimize pollution and promote sustainability.
Shopping in Solidarity
Click on a Chicago neighborhood below to discover more about each visit.
- Shopping in Solidarity: Brighton Park
For the first Shopping in Solidarity, the City Clerk’s office invited Ald. Julia Ramirez and local community members to Chicago’s Southwest Side neighborhood, Brighton Park. Historically home to Polish immigrants and defined by the railways and factories, today the neighborhood is known for its strong Mexican American community and remains a key transportation corridor.
We visited several local businesses, like Super Mercados El Güero, a staple in the community that’s been in the neighborhood for 50 years; Shoe Palace; La Casa Playroom; and Libros de la Luna, ending with lunch at Carnitas Don Rafa Restaurant.
During each visit, business owners shared their concerns about what’s been happening in their communities and how recent events have impacted them.
Check out our part two of our Brighton Park walk!
- Shopping in Solidarity: Little Village
Our second walk took place in Chicago’s Little Village, La Villita, which is recognized as the “Mexico of the Midwest” for its large Mexican American population. Little Village ranks as Chicago's second highest grossing commercial corridor following the Magnificent Mile, with annual revenue exceeding $900 million, underscoring the community's economic power. The neighborhood is home to family-owned businesses that have been ingrained in the community for decades.
We invited Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton, Alderman Michael Rodriguez, and local community members from various sectors to visit notable establishments in Little Village. Our walk included Moreno’s Liquors, the first Latino-owned liquor store in Illinois; Linda’s Shoes, a neighborhood staple that has been around for 35 years; Rosy’s Bakery; La Moda Fashion; and Dulcelandia, the largest Mexican candy distributor in the Midwest. We concluded the event with lunch at Los Comales, Chicago's oldest taqueria!
How can you help?
We invite you to spend your money where your values are because together, we can make a difference. Local businesses are the backbone of our economy, and we need to stand behind them now more than ever.
Additionally, if you choose to support our CityKey business partners, you unlock discounts with your CityKey.
Resources
Protecting Chicago Initiative
The Mayor’s Office has designed and is distributing official signage - free of charge - that private landowners and leaseholders can post on their property. The signage clearly states that no law enforcement official may enter non-public areas of the property for the purpose of civil immigration enforcement. Participation is voluntary but encouraged.
The signage for businesses is available for free pickup at City Hall (121 N. LaSalle St.) in the Office of the City Clerk (1st Floor) and the Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (8th Floor, Room 805) during regular business hours. Learn more at Chicago.gov/Protect
Protecting Chicago FAQ for small businesses
Download Signs
