LocalShops1 is a Tampa Bay-based local business and community platform founded in 2008 by Ester Venouziou, a longtime journalist, editor and event producer. The organization connects residents and visitors with locally owned businesses, artists, makers, markets, restaurants, nonprofits and neighborhood events across the region.
LocalShops1 produces Shopapalooza Festival, a large free-admission local shopping and community event held annually at Vinoy Park in St. Petersburg. The festival brings together hundreds of independent vendors, artists, makers, musicians, food businesses and community partners during Thanksgiving weekend, creating a major public gathering around local creativity and small business culture.
As an arts-related for-profit organization, LocalShops1’s role is to present, promote and produce public-facing experiences that connect artists, creative entrepreneurs and audiences. Through its website, social media, email list, vendor network and events, LocalShops1 has built a strong regional audience and a trusted platform for helping people discover local art, local stories and places worth visiting in Pinellas County.
