Shop in Solidarity

Shop in Solidarity: A Practical Guide for Shoppers

Shopper Etiquette & Planning Tips

How to show up, shop, and support.

The following guide has been prepared for the Feb 28 & Mar 7 SUH SIS DAYS.

Many SIS businesses in the Summit-University-Hill neighborhood of Saint Paul are Hmong-owned or Somali/East African-owned. Some Somali-owned businesses are Muslim-owned and may be observing Ramadan, a month of fasting from dawn to sunset.

A little cultural awareness goes a long way in making your visit welcoming and supportive, and your thoughtful presence makes Shop in Solidarity stronger for everyone.

Entering and Leaving a Participating Store

  • Put phones away and keep voices low. Enter calmly and respectfully.
  • Pause briefly at the entrance, take in the space, and offer a warm smile with a simple greeting such as “Good morning,” “Good afternoon,” or “Good evening.”
  • Let the owners and staff know you are there to “Shop in Solidarity.” It signals your support, builds trust, and opens the door to conversation and connection.
  • If the shopkeeper, clerk, associate, or other employee is assisting someone else, wait patiently before asking questions.
  • Express gratitude before leaving. A simple “Thank you” or “Have a good day” is appropriate. In East African or Somali-owned stores during Ramadan, you may also say “Happy Ramadan” or “Ramadan Mubarak.”

Cultural and Community Respect

  • No recording, filming, or photographs without the explicit permission of the store owner.
  • Because social etiquette varies by culture, religion, and gender, avoid physical contact unless invited and allow the shopkeeper to initiate a handshake.
  • Respect personal boundaries and manner of dress. Show particular respect to elders.
  • Handle merchandise carefully and ask before opening sealed goods.
  • Ask questions with curiosity, not assumptions.
  • During Ramadan, some shopkeepers may be fasting from sunrise to sunset. Please avoid eating or drinking inside the store and refrain from commenting on hunger or fasting unless the shopkeeper brings it up.

Maximize Your SIS Shopping Experience

Plan Ahead

  • Check store hours in advance. (See the “stores” or “map” page of this website for more information.)
  • Cluster stores by street address to save time.
  • Start with early-opening stores and end with later-closing ones.

Shop in Groups

  • Shop together with a small group of friends or colleagues.
  • Plan a Store Crawl! Carpool or take the Metro Transit.
    – If carpooling, meet at a central location and carpool in one vehicle along a planned route of participating stores.
    – If taking the Metro Transit, meet at a central location and take metro buses along a planned route of participating stores.

Use Metro Transit

Be Intentional

  • Bring a shopping list and reusable shopping bags.
  • Consider buying gift cards.
  • Try one new item from each store.
  • Consider maximizing community support by donating purchased items to a family in need. The following drop-off places, among others, welcome & will distribute your donations: Bethlehem Lutheran Church (Midway), Hallie Q. Brown Community Center (Rondo), and La Viña (Burnsville).

After Your Visit

  • Leave a positive online review.
  • Share your experience on social media, making sure to tag @sis_twincities (if on Instagram) and using a combination of these hashtags on all social media posts, reels, and stories:
    #SISTwinCities #SISfeb28 #SISmar7 #ShopInSolidarity
  • Tell friends and colleagues about your favorite finds.