Community over Convenience

Hey there, Rockford . This is a project by Helen Karakoudas Redfern. I’m a journalist in Rockford, Illinois. The day before Thanksgiving 2025, an article I wrote for Rock River Current started to catch people’s attention. It was a story on how critical shopping small and local is for a community's health. One bit of math that I included kept being shared:

“If every employed person in the city moved just one $40 gift from Amazon to a small local business this holiday season, the shift would bring nearly $2.5 million into the local economy.”

Mayor McNamara amplified the message. The mayor proclaimed December 2025 Shop Local month in Rockford. Leading up to Christmas, organizations and individuals around town robustly joined the chorus.

That was a promising moment for our community.

But it can’t be a once-a-year thing.

I am here, independently, with this Shop Local, Rockford! project, mustering the research and reporting skills I have, to inform you of ways (many of them small ways) to hold onto that mindset throughout the year.

Because while we can’t do anything about the growing number of big retailers announcing shutdowns across the country — five major chains as of February 2026, totaling over 300 stores nationwide — we here can show up for our neighbors, and buy thoughtfully for our benefit and theirs, so that small businesses in our city do not go on life support.

Having managed a group of community newspapers during the Great Recession, I know goodwill to keep brick-and-mortar businesses standing needs specifics and inspiration.

As my current work schedule permits, I can deliver both.

I’m out and about scouting for things that shouldn’t be missed, but also happy to take tips. So let me know what you’re not seeing covered, and I’ll be sure to check it out.

Trust that all this is at no charge to any business being featured.  

Small actions do add up. Together, let's make an impact!

What's in Helen's Bag

For gift-giving occasions, find ideas through the What's in Helen's bag? video series. The videos are on Facebook and Instagram; the price and store info for each is on the following links:

Father's Day edition of What's in Helen's bag

Mother's Day edition of What's in Helen's bag

Valentine's Day edition of What's in Helen's bag

What to look for —and think about—in each video: a sad-face or tombstone emoji next to a business name on something I’m wearing. That highlights a shop no longer around. This is a reminder that we cannot take small, independent local businesses for granted.

Tuesday Tips