Plenty Of Chicago-Made Options For Holiday Gifts
(CBS) – CBS 2's Dorothy Tucker shows us how to get your gifts and help the Chicago economy at the same time.
Anton Crockwell is eyeing a handkerchief made right here in Chicago by designer by Lee Allison.
"I live here, so I would like to help this economy first," Crockwell says.
Crockwell's contribution means Chicago will keep some of the $15 billion consumers are estimated to spend here this holiday season.
Chicago's Cupid Candies—of Frango Mints fame—employs nearly 30 people.
It's a much larger production at Vosges Chocolate, which has five boutiques in Chicago and four more in other cities.
But the 2,400 boxes they produce and ship every day originate from their headquarters and factory in Lakeview.
"We bring on up to 25 to 30 extra additional concierges just to help out with this holiday season," Sophie Gatins says.
Meanwhile, shoppers can buy the Gramavox, a new $400 gadget that plays your favorite music from various devices, and you're helping a local start-up add to the economy.
"The funds that you guys provide help employ the six full-time employees we have here, as well as the majority of the Made in America labor force, so we're grateful for that," founder Pavan Bapu.
