Small Business Expo Kicks off Summer of Shopping

The event was hosted by Love Your Local FM Area, who said the outdoor venue was a nice change of pace.

WEST FARGO, N.D. (KVRR) – Smoky skies and gusty winds didn’t stop people from swinging by the sixth-ever Small Business Expo, hosted by Love Your Local FM Area.

Over 70 vendors set up along the rustic streets, delighting Love Your Local’s Indira Kovaci.

She’s been organizing these events for about four years now, but having this one outside in the sunshine made it feel like a kick-off party for the beginning of summer.

Breadsmith owner Jason Aamodt was one of the proprietors enjoying that party – talking with customers and forming relationships he says are crucial to the success of the business.

“I always say like, of course we’re going to have great product, but I really pride myself and our staff on the customer service side of it,” he said.

He added that it’s important for Breadsmith to be at events like this right now, with the construction on 32nd Avenue making it difficult for people to get to their brick and mortar location.

“It’s nice to meet everyone out in the area, rather than being stuck in the building and hoping they come to see you there,” he said.

And, when asked about supporting locally owned businesses, especially with the number of closures and vacancies in downtown Fargo, he said that there’s never been a better time to do so.

Indira agrees.

“Support your locals,” she said. “If they all closed, then we wouldn’t have any fun vendor shows to go to.”