It took a global pandemic for economies across the world to see the diminish of small businesses. Greece does not have many chain stores, in fact, most businesses here are family run or identified as “small businesses”. Although these small businesses are feeling the losses financially as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, they are still finding ways to survive. Thessaloniki is a city known for its clean residential neighborhoods, vast music scene, and pastry shops, amongst other wonderful qualities. I have decided to highlight 5 small businesses specific to Thessaloniki that are worth checking out during your trip to Greece, or perhaps even a google search.
- Tattooligans. Even if you are not interested in getting a tattoo, the artwork on display is truly eye candy. The location is in downtown, yet the space is very vacant inside, with a few chairs and icons hanging on the wall. What Tattooligans does best is their cartoon and portrait tattoos. Although offering a wide range of styles for their tattoos, they primarily deal with dark, grey, cartoon, and portrait tattoos.
- The Box Gallery. A Graffiti art store located in Kentro, the city center, offers a wide selection of spray bottles in virtually any color, apparel, books, refills for paint, amongst other offerings. What stands out most about Box is the White interior that is filled with loud colors that include turquoise, bright orange, pink, yellow, and other colors that will catch your attention.
3. Ble. One of many upscale ice cream/sweets destinations in Thessaloniki, what separates Ble from the rest is its attention to detail in their pastries, and flavors. Ble draws their breads from the North, particularly Germany, and gathers their sweets from Crete. There are a handful of other destinations they collect their baking goods from as well. Hardly does Ble have any repetition in their itinerary. Different pastries, light snacks, ice cream flavors are being offered every season. One cannot get tired of the menu here, as it is constantly being changed and adjusted for the season and demands of the people. With a prime location of downtown Thessaloniki, and a street off from the main shopping district, it draws crowds from all ages at any time. A big perk of of Ble is that it is a 24/7 operation (prior to Covid-19 lockdown starting November), making it a popular destination for late night snackers, bar hoppers, mall shoppers, amongst others.
4. Apollo – Open air Cinema. Situated right across from the boardwalk and waterfront, and sandwitched in between two residential buildings, Apollo is an unique expeirience that oje must try. During the spring through the late fall the weather is very decent in Thessaloniki, allowing one to enjoy a film while sitting outside. The set up is very basic, no fancy chairs, over the top snack bar, and doesn’t offer a large variety of films. It is the expierence of sitting outside feeling the ocean breeze and warm air at night which is why one chooses to go watch a movie here. Apollo does have some international films, and does show films with subtitles in languages such as English, French, and German and welcomes foreigners to their establishment.
5. Judah Club. A restaurant, clothing store, interior design store all in one, Judah Club has some of the best desserts I have tried. Their menu consists primarily of dishes such as pancakes with ice cream, waffles and fruit, eggs and salad, with other options that are all smaller plates. Aside from the savory food, the store targets a female crowd with bright colored/chic casual clothes. Furniture, such as contemporary chairs, desks, and tables are also avaible for purchase within the store as well. Definitely a unique combination of food and retail that is excecuted very well.
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