As the holiday season settles in, Spartanburg is once again celebrating the strength, charm and unity of its local business community. This year, residents can support the businesses that give our city its character through two major initiatives: the SpartanBucks e-gift card program and the upcoming Holiday Sip & Shop event in Downtown Spartanburg.
SpartanBucks—powered through OneSpartanburg Inc.—continues to grow as one of the most popular ways to keep holiday spending local. The digital gift card can be redeemed at a wide range of Spartanburg retailers, restaurants and experiences, making it a simple, communityfocused option for anyone checking off their holiday list.
For Makenna Tschetter, Director of Marketing at OneSpartanburg, the impact is both practical and personal. “I love SpartanBucks because it supports our incredible local businesses and makes gift-giving effortless,” she said. “It truly checks all the boxes.” Buyers choose an amount, send the card via email or text, or print it for hand delivery. For businesses, SpartanBucks keeps dollars circulating locally, strengthening the economic heartbeat of the region.
Makenna says Spartanburg’s small-business community sets itself apart in meaningful ways. “Our small businesses genuinely support one another, and you can find a thoughtful gift for anyone,” she said. “That sense of unity is what makes Spartanburg special.”
That unity is also on full display at Downtown Spartanburg’s Holiday Sip & Shop, returning Thursday, December 18 from 5 to 7 p.m. After a strong turnout at previous events, downtown retailers are gearing up once again for an evening filled with holiday cheer. Shoppers can browse stores, enjoy seasonal drinks, listen to festive entertainment and check off last-minute gifts at shops including Armoire, Market on Main, The Lemon Peel, Two Doors Down, The Local Hiker, and many others.
For Makenna, the Sip & Shop captures the energy of a community that loves to show up for its neighbors. She recalls one moment in particular: “Walking into Market on Main and seeing it packed—like weaving through a joyful maze— perfectly captured how our community shows up to shop local.”
Supporting local is more than an initiative—it’s a way of preserving Spartanburg’s character. “Downtown Spartanburg’s charm comes from its small businesses,” Makenna said. “I love finding unique, personal gifts and keeping my dollars in the community.”
With both SpartanBucks and the Holiday Sip & Shop, residents have easy ways to support their favorite shops and discover new ones. Makenna says the timing couldn’t be better. “SpartanBucks is the ultimate ‘I-don’tknow-what-to-get’ gift— versatile, easy, and always appreciated. It makes you the MVP of holiday giving.”
As the city continues its upward momentum, these programs highlight what Spartanburg does best: rally around the businesses and people who make this place feel like home. Whether you’re purchasing a SpartanBucks gift card, strolling downtown with friends or simply choosing a local shop over a big-box store, every effort keeps the spirit of Spartanburg thriving.
This season, Spartanburg invites the community to shop local, celebrate together and support the heart of the city—its people.
