Shopping local for Small Business Saturday? Here are some places to check out
With Black Friday underway, small business owners are getting ready for a holiday shopping event of their own: Small Business Saturday.
Small Business Saturday takes place during the last Saturday of November, and is one of the busiest shopping periods of the year. The first observance happened in 2010, and was used to promote small local businesses, and encourage patrons to shop from them during the holidays.
For those looking to support their local businesses, here are some that will be participating on Small Business Saturday. Mind you, this isn’t a complete list:
Real Deals
- Address: 413 N. Main St.
- Operating Hours on Saturday: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Preparing for their first Small Business Saturday, Real Deals plans to give some incentives for patrons to consider shopping with them for the holidays. Kim Underdahl, co-owner, shared that employees will be handing out a $5 Real Deals Cash coupon on Black Friday to be used on Small Business Saturday. If an individual purchases a $25 gift card, then he or she can receive $5 Real Deals Cash.
“I think (Small Business Saturday) is an awesome idea,” Underdahl said. “We’re really excited.”
The Hardy Geranium
- Address: 100 4th St. SE
- Operating Hours on Saturday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
For Austin small businesses, owners are already getting ready for the holiday season, including The Hardy Geranium.
“Yep, we’re doing Small Business Saturday,” said Vicki Trimble, owner of The Hardy Geranium. From 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. customers can expect 35 percent off merchandise inside the store, excluding plants and small flowers.
Games People Play
- Address: 701 18th Ave. NW
- Operating Hours on Saturday: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Another cool idea for those looking to rep their hometown pride is to stop by Games People Play. For Small Business Saturday, the entire store is offering 20 percent off, excluding Bruins items, said Jackie Bumgardner of Games People Play, citing that the Eat. Drink. Shop. Austin initiative should help promote local businesses on Saturday.
“We are looking forward to it and it should be good,” Bumgardner said. “Our t-shirt campaign is going to ramp up sales in Austin.”
Total Fitness Gym
- Address: 803 18th Ave. NW No. 2
- Operating Hours on Saturday: 9 to 11 a.m.
If you are considering burning off the turkey and mashed potatoes from Thanksgiving, Total Fitness Gym has a special deal going on for Small Business Saturday.
According to the gym’s Facebook page, those interested in getting a membership can save $50 with no enrollment fee on any contract, and is only available on Saturday from 9 to 11 a.m.
Austin ArtWorks Center
- Address: 300 N. Main St.
- Operating Hours on Saturday: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Shopping for some unique pieces of art while supporting local artists? Then, the Austin ArtWorks Center may have something for you.
Although most of the pieces are on consignment and aren’t specifically for sale, patrons can purchase a piece of work and have free gift wrapping available, according to Kelsey Ritchie, Austin Area Arts office manager.
“On Friday we will be having a member’s gallery from 5 to 7 p.m.,” Richie added.