Artworks Gallery is located on Race Street in downtown, and participants are only allowed to purchase from stores within walking distance from the office. They’re quite happy with their selection, which includes Park + Vine, Vine St. Flower Shop, Cappel’s, City Roots, and Friends of the Public Library Gift Shop. We’ve featured a number of these shops on the site before, and you can read those articles by clicking any of the highlighted names above.

The exchange usually involves 8 to 12 participants, which means they often run into each other while making their prospective purchases. Artworks told us, however, that this adds a whole new “clandestine” feel to the event, and keeps the exchange fun and engaging. The employees buy gifts in the five-dollar range, and draw names to keep their recipients a secret.

We at BuyCincy aren’t surprised to hear that this exchange has proved to be a smashing success, and encourage you to consider a similar event in your own office. Tweak a few rules as you see fit, but make sure to keep the spirit of adventure that goes along with exploring local businesses you may not have considered visiting otherwise. While you’re at it, stop by ArtWorks the next time you’re at a Final Friday. It’s a little off the traditional Main Street strip, but well worth it.

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