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Support local businesses during the 26th annual Uptown Shop Hop

Shop Hop was started to highlight small businesses and show shoppers the unique gifts that can be bought locally.

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Editors Note: This story has been edited and corrected, it previously said this year's was the 25th annual Shop Hop, it is the 26th.

The 26th annual Uptown Shop Hop is returning to Grand Rapids on Thursday complete with activities and entertainment for the whole family.

Shop Hop was started to highlight small businesses and show shoppers the unique gifts that can be bought locally. 

Each year, hundreds of people walk through Uptown Grand Rapids as part of the Shop Hop, and event organizers are anticipating record-breaking participation this year.

Shop Hop covers four small business districts in Uptown Grand Rapids: Eastown, East Hills, Wealthy Street and East Fulton. Businesses in these areas range from boutiques to galleries to restaurants. This year, over 150 businesses are participating.

For Alex Amorski, owner of Modish Moth and Lady Monarch, Shop Hop is a chance to connect with customers who usually shop online.

"The Shop Hop is a great opportunity to find a lot of businesses you didn't even know were around," Amorski said. "Supporting local is always, always appreciated. It helps the economy, it helps us small families, and it's all about the experience. I know it's easy to shop online these days, but come in and you get to see what people like me pour our heart and soul into."

New this year, families can participate in a scavenger hunt and search for hidden elves around the shops. If you find all the elves by the end of the Shop Hop, you can win a prize!

A digital map will also be available so you don't miss any shops you want to see. It also has a map of the trolley that will take shoppers between districts and a list of activities taking place.

Dana Knoll with Uptown Grand Rapids said Shop Hop puts a spotlight on small businesses during the holiday season.

"It's a great opportunity because you get this really fun, immersive experience to understand just how much of your daily shopping and experiences you can have and support local at the exact same time," she said.

Uptown Shop Hop runs from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 7.

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