This Saturday, November 24, is Small Business Saturday and a great opportunity to show local retailers you care. This shopping holiday, created in 2010 by American Express, reminds us that brick and mortar shops are still a very important part of our community’s culture and economy.
So shake off your Black Friday hangover by stopping at these locally owned shops in your neighborhood (and beyond) before you blow all your holiday funds on Cyber Monday. Many will be offering special deals and incentives.
Brewer’s Hill
Orange and Blue Co. (1809 N. Hubbard St.) – Extended hours (9 a.m.- 7 p.m.), complimentary seasonal cocktails, custom Orange and Blue Co. candle with purchase for the first 30 shoppers, Orange and Blue Co. canvas tote with a $50 or more purchase (while supplies last), 10 percent off entire store from 2-3 p.m. You can also enter to win a vintage Turkish rug in store, no purchase necessary.
Fischberger’s Variety (2445 N. Holton St.) – Fischberger’s will give 12 percent of all sales from Black Friday and Small Business Saturday to the Talita Cumi Children’s Home in Santa Cruz, Bolivia, in honor of their 12th anniversary.
Bay View
Sparrow Collective (2224 S. Kinnickinnic) – Swag bags to the first 100 shoppers starting at 9 a.m., coupon giveaways and surprises throughout the day, and 25 percent off the entire store from 2-3 p.m., 15 percent off from 3-4 p.m. and 10 percent off from 4-5 p.m.
URSA (2534 S. Kinnickinnic) – Special-edition, screen printed canvas shopping bag for the first 25 customers who spend $25 or more. The bag will be filled with product samples, discount coupons from other local retailers, a bottle of body oil from the new URSA apothecary line and a coupon for a free old-fashioned and a taco at Boone and Crockett/Taco Moto!
East Side
The Waxwing (1800 E. North Ave.) – Swag Bags for the first 100 people in the door, 20 percent off your purchases for the first 100 people who show their own tote bags, 15 percent off everything in the store from 8-10 a.m. and everything in the store is 10 percent off from 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Plus, shoppers will get $5 gift cards for every $50 they spend, additional prizes and refreshments throughout the day.
Kashou Carpets (2169 N. Farwell Ave.) – Store closing sale! All rugs deeply discounted and hundreds of rugs are under $100. Open 10 a.m.-5 p.m. December 1 will be their last day in business (after 108 years).
North Shore
Winkie’s Toys & Variety (629 E. Silver Spring) – Toy giveaway for kids under 12 years old.
SHOP (4524 N. Oakland Ave.) – $50 gift card to use in January for every $250 you spend, and SHOP totes while supplies last.
Third Ward
The Third Ward Association has graciously organized all of the best deals and offerings here. A few of my favorite local stops include:
– Inspired (239 E. Chicago St.) for curated home décor and gifts
– MilwaukeeHome Store (159 N. Jackson St.) for Milwaukee apparel and gifts
– Lela (321 N. Broadway) for a sassy holiday outfit
– Milworks (143 N. Broadway) for high-quality men’s apparel and accessories
– MODA3 (320 E. Buffalo) for a fresh pair of sneaks
Wauwatosa/Washington Heights
Swoon (5422 W. Vliet St.) – Shoppers will have the chance to pull a slip and win everything from a percentage off their purchase to a swag bag full of local items or gift cards.
MOdE (7602 Harwood Ave.) – Grab a discounted scarf on Black Friday.
Need more ideas on local businesses and making an economic impact all year long? Check out the Local First Milwaukee business alliance and take the shop local pledge. If you can’t make it out on Saturday, check out some of these local shops on Friday, November 23 – many are participating in Good Karma Friday (the antidote to Black Friday) and giving back a percentage of their sales to community organizations.
