A local Minneapolis candy store "Sugar Sugar"

Let’s be honest: I’m never opposed to a cash infusion into our local economy — especially when it involves me buying shoes.

However, I’ve noticed lately that I don’t make an effort to buy locally. After two years of being forced to shop locally (it’s tough to get things shipped to Switzerland as it’s outside of the European Union), I’ve been a little too excited that anything and everything can be shipped to my house. Convenient! Free!

Last weekend, I was in the small town of Lawrence, Kan. It’s home to the University of Kansas, but otherwise, is a small, tight-knit community of the Midwest. It has a Starbucks, J. Crew and Gap, but it also teems with local businesses, markets, art galleries and restaurants. Sadly, a few storefronts were vacant — a recent trend that concerns local residents.

Returning to Minneapolis, I’ve realized that I’ve neglected my local businesses in favor of convenience and late night online shopping.

Thus, I thought I’d share a few of my local favorite spots to shop. Please share yours in the comments.

View Local places to shop in a larger map