Small business owner discusses impact of marathon on Duluth
Grandma’s Marathon brought tens of thousands of people to the Twin Ports, giving local businesses in Canal Park a boost during the busy weekend. RELATED:Grandma’s Marathon 2026Amber Nichols, owner of Duluth. . .
Grandma’s Marathon brought tens of thousands of people to the Twin Ports, giving local businesses in Canal Park a boost during the busy weekend. RELATED:Grandma’s Marathon 2026Amber Nichols, owner of Duluth Studio Market, shared how Grandma’s Marathon weekend brings excitement and energy to Canal Park and local businesses. Nichols said she has been busy photographing the marathon but enjoys seeing the community and visitors come together for the event. “I was here on Thursday and a little bit on Friday, and it’s just so many people coming in,” Everyone’s just excited to be here,” Nichols said. She described the marathon as the unofficial start of summer for locals and visitors alike, with many people taking the opportunity to explore Duluth after the race. “It’s kind of like the kickoff to summer for Duluthians I think, you know, after Grandma’s Marathon everyone’s like, ‘Oh, let’s go up boating, let’s go out and travel,’ that kind of stuff. And I think it’s also true for those who are coming to our area,” Nichols said. Grandma’s Marathon Saturdays were described by Nichols as a bit weird for businesses. She said, “People are down here tons of people down here, but not everyone’s really thinking about shopping because they’re here to see and support their friends or family members that are running. ”She encouraged people to visit Canal Park after the marathon, noting it is less crowded and easier to get around. Nichols also spoke about her experience as a new business owner in the area, saying, “It’s a lot of fun because I get to tell our story. The store has been in Duluth since 2020. And to be able to share that history and then my story about purchasing it last year and moving down here, it’s just been amazing. ”Nichols also highlighted her enjoyment of the diversity of people who have visited her market so far. “That’s what you get down at Canal Park,” Nichols said. “I’m used to that. But just seeing everyone’s reactions to having different stuff, everyone’s like, ‘oh, it’s just local’ and it’s not. We’re worldwide. I offer stuff from all over the world. ”Nichols explained that Duluth Studio Market features art from local, regional, national, and international artists, including painters, sculptors, potters, and makers of everyday items like soap and candy. “So, people are making connections. They might see something that they’ve seen back home, and they see it in my store, or they’ve been on travels, and they see it in the store, and they’re like, ‘That’s so cool,” Nichols said. When asked what Grandma’s Marathon means to her, Nichols said, “To me, it’s just about sharing our great city with everyone. You know, when you’re coming into town to do the race, not only to get to see our beautiful Canal Park, but those that are running along the North Shore, you know, you get to see the outer parts of Duluth. And if you’re cheering them on, you get to set up along the course and see all of our beautiful scenery. ”The marathon weekend helps support the local economy as visitors interact and celebrate with the community. “That money goes back to very real things that people in our community are passionate about. And hopefully, that impact spreads beyond the three or four days in June and can help some very real things happen in our community,” Zach Schneider said. “If everyone that comes to town is able to share that experience with the stores, little mom and pops, little small businesses, stop in, spend $2, $5. I mean, it all helps us. We’re all here to try to support others. And the more people spend with us, the more we’re able to do that,” Nichols added. The interview concluded with Nichols encouraging everyone to enjoy what Duluth has to offer during and after marathon weekend. For Related Stories:BusinessCommunityDuluthEthan SchurmanGrandma's MarathonTwin Ports