One of the perks of online shopping is that you can do it from your own home.
Every year, the Munsey Park Women’s Club combines that homey shopping experience with a social one through its “Shop Around the Block” event, in which three homes in the village host small-business vendors for club members and guests to shop at.
This year’s event, the 14th annual one, will be on Nov. 29.
“It’s just a lovely evening where the community comes together,” said Saskia Valentine, Munsey Park Women’s Club co-president.
One vendor that attends every is Bread and Butter GC, a Garden City-based business that sells flavored artisanal butters and cracker dough.
Owner Shannon Ferrara said she loves Shop Around the Block.
“The fact that the ladies open up their houses to let people come in that you may or may not know really well – it’s amazing,” Ferrara said. “Every room has different vendors.”
The three hosting homes are in close proximity, and the women’s club lines the street with candles, Ferrara said.
She and her sister Angela Haffner, also a small-business owner, sell side by side, she said. Haffner sells frozen croissants through her business the Curious Croissant.
Small businesses keep communities going, and Shop Around the Block epitomizes that, Ferrara said.
“They’re moms that are trying to get by or just women trying to build a business up, and that’s really exciting instead of seeing this global company that’s there,” she said. “You’re not seeing Costco in there.”
And for attendees, the event is the perfect opportunity for holiday shopping, Valentine said.
“It’s great for teacher gifts and hostess gifts and Christmas or Hanukkah gifts or any kind of gifts,” Valentine said. “I get all of my teacher gifts usually from this event.”
