BY ANN CHRISTENSON AND TESSA ALMOND
The weekend after Thanksgiving marks the peak of holiday shopping season, and that Saturday, you get a chance to support your favorite local small businesses. Here are just a few of the neighborhoods and towns hosting events and promotions for Small Business Saturday.
Shop Small South Milwaukee
This one is gonna be big. Over 20 businesses in the downtown area are in on it, offering holiday shopping, snacks and drinks, and raffle items, between the hours of 10 a.m. and 5 p.m.
This year’s theme is the “Ghosts of Past, Present, Future,” with each business offering their own take. For instance, Bakehouse 23 (1309 Milwaukee Ave.) is time traveling back to the 1990s, inspired by a business that used to occupy its space.
“When I used to come to this building and drink cherry Italian sodas after school, it was called the Soda Fountain,” says Bakehouse 23’s Sarah Mironczuk. The staff will be dressed in paper hats and white shirts – soda fountain waitress-style – and what they’re serving will be special, too: Italian sodas and root beer floats, and diner-y things like cheesesteak sandwiches and pies. “We’re really more of the refreshment stop on the tour,” says Mironczuk.
Other shops on the route include Immortal Toys, Parkway Floral, Rosenquist Fine Art, Studio 1 Art Glass, Virtue Coffee & Valor Wine, Acetime Disc Golf, and even the Bucyrus Museum.
Shoppers can pick up a Time Travel Itinerary at any of the businesses, and get a stamp at each location they visit. This is where the raffle comes in: Visit at least five stops, get a stamp from each one, then deposit the itinerary in the “portal” (box) located inside the shop whose raffle item you want to win.
West Allis
West Allis is encouraging patronizing small and local businesses this season. Their Small Business Saturday program will showcase a variety of businesses, from bakeries and bar supplies to clock and jewelry makers. The city is holding a raffle for anyone who spends more than $10 at a non-franchise West Allis business between November 1 and 29. Bring your receipts to the K&K Barista on November 29 between 1 and 3 p.m. to redeem them for raffle tickets.
Wauwatosa
Wauwatosa is using Small Business Saturday to highlight the local businesses that have shaped its vibrant community. Throughout the day, participating businesses will offer special promotions, festive treats, and fun shopping opportunities to help you find the perfect gifts. Get $2 off any 3 chocolate bars at Tabal Chocolate, 20% off all hydration products at Roots Salon, paintings for just $19 each at Arte Wine and Painting Studio, and more.
It’s time to pick your Milwaukee favorites for the year!
The Third Ward
The Historic Third Ward’s most beloved shops and restaurants are rolling out exclusive discounts, seasonal surprises, and limited time promotions for holiday shoppers and diners. Visitors can enjoy special offers from favorites like Cafe Benelux, Miss Ruby Boutique, barre3, Performance Running Outfitters, and Wisconsin Vision. Whether you’re gift shopping, planning a holiday outing, or exploring the charming downtown, this is the perfect opportunity to shop local. New businesses are added daily, so be sure to check for an updated list of participants.
Menomonee Falls
From 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the Menomonee Falls Downtown District Businesses and Centennial Plaza, the city is bringing together locally owned shops, boutiques, and restaurants as part of their Christmas Falls program. While shopping, visitors can partake in a variety of holiday-themed activities. You’ll be able to meet Santa, take a wagon ride around the historic district, and enjoy performances from Christmas carolers and the Accompany of Kids and St Paul’s UCC handbell choir.
Kenosha
Kenosha’s small businesses are offering exclusive promotions and discounts this holiday season. From home decor and antique jewelry to specialty foods, family games, and natural health products, there’s something for everyone on your holiday shopping list. Participating businesses include long-standing favorites like The Pencillarium and recently introduced spots like the Kenosha Public Market. Visit Kenosha’s Shop Small page to explore the full list of participating businesses, and keep an eye on social media channels throughout November for chances to win prizes for supporting the local community.
