Five Cool Places That Deserve Your Money Way More Than Walmart
Pittsburgh Edition 2013
I’ve seen a few posts from folks asking for places that offer handmade, locally-sourced, or alternative holiday gifts. Here’s a list of retailers and artists I recommend, and every one of them, large or small, deserves your hard-earned money more than any major store.
United Pixelworkers
http://www.unitedpixelworkers.com/
The cool dudes of United Pixelworkers started out as a web design firm and now offer an online shop packed with tees, stickers, hats, and the sexiest track jacket money can buy. Their sister store, Cotton Bureau, offers one-of-a-kind, small-run tees designed by awesome people. Support the Local 412!
Commonwealth Press
http://www.cwpress.com/
Commonwealth Press is completely bad-ass, and their warehouse in the South Side is something to behold. Their unique designs make great gifts for dad, mom, babies, or your brother who loves the Misfits. Plus, they sell a screen printed Pittsburgh Parking Chair, and yinz can’t beat that.
Reconstructing Ideas Art + Design Studio https://www.etsy.com/shop/reconstructingideas
Run by the beautiful and talented Dane Horvath, Reconstructing Ideas offers striking 11x17 prints and an awesome 2014 “Accomplishment Calendar.” I’m especially enamored with her Just a Steeltown Girl print, which I’m planning to order today, and every Pittsburgher needs this.
Jerry’s Records
http://www.jerrysrecords.com/
If you ain’t never been to Jerry’s, you’re seriously missing out. Packed floor to ceiling with records, Jerry’s is the only place where you can find a signed Stanley Turrentine or a full box of Whitney Houston’s Whitney. If you’re going to Jerry’s, plan on spending a few hours, or stay comfy at home and check out the online auctions.
Get Hip Recordings
http://www.gethip.com/
Founded nearly 30 years ago by Pittsburgh’s Godfather of Garage, Gregg Kostelich, Get Hip is a record label and distributor located on the North Side. With over 10,000 titles (including the full catalog of Pittsburgh legends The Cynics) and handy tote bags, Get Hip is as cool as its name. Get hip or get lost!
Check these out and know that your money is going to real people — people who will use it to buy food and pay bills and get art supplies.
It’ll feel good, trust me — and I can assure you that none of these folks will in any way contribute to this: http://blackfridaydeathcount.com/.
Happy holidays!
