Basically, because Black Friday marks the official start of the holiday gift-buying season, no matter which store you step foot in, you’re practically guaranteed to find a great deal. As there’s not enough room to mention everything that’s going on around town, here’s a sampling, a taste if you will, of post-turkey day shopping. Oh, and just for the record, Nov. 27 marks the first-annual Small Business Saturday. Supporting independent businesses, shops and restaurants across the nation that employ family, friends and neighbors while keeping the economies of local communities alive, it provides a timely reminder that shopping local is a great habit to get into no matter when you shop.
SAVVY STUFF TO DO
DO DOWNTOWN: Newly renovated and offering distinctive shopping options, the historic Colby Abbot building at the corner of Mason and Milwaukee streets morphs into a Holiday Lights Festival Retail Emporium featuring four temporary seasonal pop-up shops. Look for great stationery, wrapping paper, ribbons, gift-wrapping services and a special just-for-him selection of gifts at Broadway Paper Pop-Up! (330 E. Mason St.), a selection of well-priced contemporary fine art, crafts and wearables at Gingrass Gallery & Blutstein/Brondino Fine Art (328 E. Mason St.), everything women need to build stylish seasonal wardrobes at SHOP (755 N. Milwaukee St.), and clothing and handcrafted accessories blending traditional African pattern and textiles with contemporary design for both men and women at Wafrique (757 N. Milwaukee St.). And thanks to Holly Loop (a free five-stop trolley service running noon-7 p.m. Nov. 29- Dec. 22), discovering what other Downtown stores have to offer is super easy. Take advantage of discounted ($3 with voucher) parking at The Shops of Grand Avenue parking structure and enjoy stress-free transportation to 75 area retailers, boutiques and specialty stores. For more info, visit milwaukeeholidaylights.com or call 414-220-4700.
VERY INTERESTING: On Nov. 26, the Historic Third Ward becomes particularly appealing during the shopping district’s annual Skip the Mall…Shop the Ward event. Shoppers save as boutiques band together to present all sorts of sales and specials on terrific fashions, home accessories, furnishings and gifts, extended hours, complimentary snacks and beverages, and a drawing to win quite a generous gift certificate. All in all, a great opportunity to explore what exciting new stores such as fashionable Five Hearts (treating shoppers to giveaways and a 20 percent off sale), Flirt, Heavy Rotation and MODify (see below) have to offer. Why opt for the frenzy of the mall when you can shop up front and personal? Oh, and while you’re there, don’t forget to cast your vote online for which store boasts the best sparkling silver- and gold-themed holiday window display. For more info, visit historicalthirdward.org.
IF IT’S NOW, IT’S HERE: Jill Klemz and Rebecca Byrne, co-owners of MODify, are dedicated to presenting an eclectic mix of new and resale clothing, shoes and accessories embracing only the hottest trends of the moment, so hip and edgy young men and women can fashion eclectic style statements of their very own. Located in the Historic Third Ward just steps from MIAD, shoppers will also find the work of talented local artists offered for sale on consignment. 222 E. Erie St., 414-271-6633, modifytrends.com.
SHOP THE CHARM. Along with a sweet Christmas Parade along Silver Spring Drive (6 p.m.), the Nov. 26 Whitefish Bay Holiday Stroll offers shoppers lots of family-friendly, free activities, yummy food and, of course, plenty of sales and specials. Among them a free daily loaf at Breadsmith with the purchase of $20 or more in gift cards, 15 percent off gift items and Bioelements skin care products at Eleta Salon, 10 percent of all art at Gallery 505, free dog treats ($6.99 value) at Hounds Around Town with the purchase of $10 or more, drawings for a $50 gift card at Minoan Intimate Apparel, $100 gift card from Ruhama’s Yarn & Needlepoint and $25 gift card at Three Wishes. There’s also a Kelly Grey Hazel Eye trunk show at Patricia Shoppe, 30 percent off at Great Frame Up, 20 percent off all St. Christopher medals at Schwanke-Kasten, 25 percent off stock merchandise at Thiet Jewelers, and free morning coffee and Kringle, live music and lots of store specials at Winkies. For more info, visit shopwhitefishbay.com.
BUY A PAIR OF GREAT JEANS: While it may seem as if every day is Black Friday at Next Door, shoppers in search of easygoing fashion receive even more than the usual free hemming and $25 coupon for referring a friend at this hip shop on November 26. Like $25 off any great fitting pair of jeans, one free t-shirt with the purchase of any three from lines like Splendid, Michael Stars or Miss Me , 20 percent off cozy Free People sweaters, complimentary coffee, snacks and of course great service. 18915 W. Capital Dr., Brookfield, 161-781-0737, shopnextdoor.com.
ENJOY EARLY A.M. FASHIONISTA FUN: Fred Boutique gives back big time to loyal shoppers with its bigger-than-ever Black Friday sale. The store slashes prices in half on all dresses, tops, jackets, denim, jewelry, handbags, shoes and accessories for early-bird shoppers stopping in between 3 a.m.-7 a.m. Nov. 26. Then, after taking a few hours off to bring out racks of new holiday merchandise, the boutique reopens (10 a.m.-7 p.m.) to offer 40 percent off all clothing and dresses, including all the new stuff. 522 N. Water St., 414-270-1009, fredboutique.com.
BARGAIN SHOPPING: Fashions on Farwell is a small shop filled with a smorgasbord of style. Located on the city’s East Side next to Mr. Shoe (overflowing with men’s and women’s footwear bargains), it’s kind of like a locally owned T.J. MAXX. Week-to-week, you never know what you’ll find, but you’re sure to save on what you do. For instance, on a recent visit I saw Guess black wool bell-sleeved jackets embellished with gold zipper detailing priced at just $79.99 each. Tucked on the racks were also a couple of linen pieces from Flax for just $29.99. In addition to its assortment of fashions touching on all lifestyles from career to club wear, the store carries a small selection of trendy handbags, colorful cosmetics and feminine corsets, teddies, bras and panties in sizes small to plus. Shop the store Nov. 26 (8 a.m.-7 p.m.) during its Black Friday sale and you’ll save 50 percent on all purchases. Hint to self: Wouldn’t a $40 classic Calvin Klein little black dress shimmering with matt sequins (suggested retail price $230) be just about perfect for the holidays? 1535 N. Farwell Ave., 414-220-9233.
REJOICE IN NEW DIGS: Although a devastating fire took out its Mequon location a few months ago, Allen Edmonds has opened a new shop just blocks away from its former site. Needless to say, men of style and taste will find a treasure trove of beautifully handcrafted shoes and belts, socks, ties, cufflinks and personal leather goods. 11920 N. Port Washington Rd., 262-241-4266, allenedmonds.com.
SEE YOU THERE: Because it’s one of the most unique holiday fairs of the season, like a whole lot of others you better believe I’m more than willing to wait in a line that often circles the block for a chance to shop Art Vs. Craft Nov. 27 (10 a.m.-6 p.m.). After all, where else am I going to find so many gifts created by such talented indie designers from all over the country all under one roof? Honestly, with attendance so high, what I want to know is why this isn’t a weekend event. Admission $3 (kids under 13 free). Humphrey Scottish Rite Masonic Center, 790 N. Van Buren St., artvscraftmke.com.
GIFTS GALORE: Explore everything that a Holiday Art, Craft & Gift Expo has to offer Nov. 26-28 during the Midwest’s largest indoor art, craft and gift show. Enjoy craft demos as well as gourmet food, live music and wine tastings. Adult admission $5, kids 6-12 years $2. Wisconsin Expo Center, State Fair Park, 8200 W. Greenfield Ave., craftfairwisconsin.com.
HOLIDAY SHOPPING DESTINATION: To usher in the holidays, The Shops at Woodlake in Kohler are hosting a Set the Season Aglow event Nov. 26 (2-6 p.m.). Shoppers are invited to visit with Santa and his elves (noon- 5 p.m.), see live reindeer and take complimentary horse drawn carriage rides (2 p.m.), enjoy the day’s hot chocolate bar and complimentary gift wrapping (available through Christmas Eve day) before witnessing the fourth-annual Kohler tree and village lighting (5:30 p.m.), featuring more than 30,000 lights and live music. For more info, call 920-459-1713, 725Q Woodlake Rd., Kohler, shopsatwoodlake.com.
GIVING A SOFT TOUCH TO CHARITY: This shopping season has no shortage of ways to save while stepping up to help a kid in need whether it’s donating toys to tots at Toys R’ Us or purchasing specially priced plush toys such as Aflac Holiday Ducks at Macy’s to help raise money for kids with pediatric cancer, cuddly Snow Buddies at Boston Store to benefit local Boys & Girls Clubs, sweet Shelby the Schnauzer puppies from Maurices in support of the American Cancer Society or beloved Dr. Seuss characters (and books) at Kohl’s to aid initiatives for children’s health and education. Bottom line – when lots of people spend a little, millions of much-needed dollars can be raised. For more info, visit toyrus.com, macys.com, bostonstore.com, maurices.com and kohls.com.
PUT SOMETHING UNDER A TREE: With one special hit on the Internet this CyberMonday you could join in on the Wrap Party Virtual Toy Drive benefitting the Boys & Girls Clubs and make a real difference in some deserving child’s life. Simply scroll through an online catalog on boysgirlsclub.org featuring more than 40,000 toys and gifts specific to kids aged 5-18, click to purchase and frankly your job is done. On Dec. 11, at a special volunteer party held at the Bayshore Town Center, the gifts will be wrapped and put aside in anticipation of handing them out at holiday parties held throughout the month. What’s in it for you? How about being entered into a drawing to win a suite at the Bradley Center for a Milwaukee Bucks basketball game and a personal visit with Brandon Jennings, who’s helping generate community support for the project
MEETING THE BIG GUY IN STYLE: Because it’s one of the city’s most beloved holiday traditions, better RSVP quickly for one of three Breakfast with Santa events presented by Watts Tea Shop (Dec. 4, 11 or 18). Dressed in their festive best to share Christmas morning wishes and have pictures taken with Santa, delighting in a scrumptious breakfast, receiving a holiday gift and being read a lively version of The Night Before Christmas tale by Martie Watts herself is sure to make for very special childhood memories indeed. $25 per person. 761 N. Jefferson St., 414-290-5720, georgewatts.com.
HOORAY FOR HELP: Thanks to a partnership with College Nannies & Tutors, now through Dec. 1, parents spending $50 or more at the Fox Point Learning Shop can receive two hours of professional tutoring or four hours of expert childcare for free. It’s all part of the store’s commitment to help kids reach their full potential. 8665 N. Port Washington Rd., Fox Point, 414-352-7010, thelearningshop.com, collegenannies.com.
GIVING COLD WEATHER THE BUM RUSH: If scuba, snorkeling and swimming floats your boat, you won’t want to miss the huge annual holiday sale Nov. 26 (10 a.m.-7 p.m.) & Nov. 27 (9 a.m.- 6 p.m.) at Aquatic Adventures. Offering the lowest prices of the year on great stuff from some of the biggest names in diving, shoppers will save 10-40 percent off in-stock products and equipment, get a free giveaway if they’re among the first 30 shoppers to spend $30 or more, enjoy holiday refreshments and enter to win prizes. They’ll also get a 20 percent discount when signing up for the 2011 beginning to advanced PADI dive certification classes. 13830 W. Greenfield Ave., Brookfield, 262-938-6827, dive-aai.com.
GREAT STUFF PLUS GREAT BOOKS: Boswell Books treats shoppers to a series of Holiday Artisan Fairs Nov. 27 (11 a.m.- 6 p.m.), Dec. 3 (3 p.m.-8 p.m.) and Dec. 12 (11 a.m.-5 p.m.) presenting local artisans, crafters and farmers offering a broad selection of gifts, including seasonal foods such as artisan cheeses, heirloom apples, award-winning maple syrups, herbs, flattering fashions, handbags, jewelry, hats and mittens, dog treats, handmade bath lotions, potions, fashionable hats, mittens, ceramics, seasonal home decor and more. 2559 N. Downer Ave., 414-332-1181, boswell.indiebound.com.
HOW MUCH IS THAT PARTRIDGE PRINTED DRESS? Beginning Nov. 26, it’s time once again for the annual 12 Sales of Christmas at Boutique Vieux et Nouveau. Over the course of the celebration, every day will reveal a 20 percent savings on a rotating assortment of footwear, denim, accessories, vintage and new fashions, coats, hats and gloves. See website for more details. 1217 E. Brady St., 414-287-9049, bvenboutique.com.
GO NAUGHTY OR NICE: The third-annual Black Friday sale at The Tool Shed Nov. 26 (noon-8 p.m.) offers up everything in the store at a 20 percent savings, including popular, sexy, quirky products, books, DVDs and other unmentionables that almost never go on sale. 2427 N. Murray Ave., 414-906-5304, toolshedtoys.com.
OK, OK. ONE MALL MENTION: Precisely at midnight Nov. 26, Johnson Creek Premium Outlets begins its After Thanksgiving Weekend Midnight Madness sale. With extended hours, it’s their biggest shopping event of the year, boasting incredible discounts on top of the average 25-65 percent savings always available. In addition, shoppers stand to save even more by signing up online for free VIP Shopper discounts, exclusive coupons and shopping tips. 575 Linmar Lane, Johnson Creek, 920-699-411, premiumoutlets.com.
