So you’re not really into facing down death in the form of thousands of stampeding, screaming deal-hunters this Black Friday; sometimes it’s not worth playing tug-of-war with some entitled jerk or middle-aged housewife just to get the last on-sale tablet or cable knit sweater. If you do decide to forgo going out Friday in favor of leftover turkey sandwiches, consider going shopping on Small Business Saturday instead.
This year is especially great to start a new tradition of supporting Boston’s small businesses on the Saturday after Thanksgiving. The idea of Small Business Saturday is to support local brick-and-mortar stores rather than the big corporate chains you’re usually buying from on Black Friday. The day was first promoted in 2010 by American Express — the credit card company now offering $10 off purchases of $10 or more for up to three purchases, if customers buy from registered small businesses.
A list of those small businesses can be found on American Express’ Shop Small Map. Hundreds of stores around Boston are participating; here are a few offering additional deals and events:
Pier 6
Just in view of the USS Constitution, the oldest commissioned naval ship in the world, Pier 6 is a seafood restaurant located right on the waterfront in Charlestown. The eatery, which serves lunch and dinner daily, as well as Saturday and Sunday brunches, only just opened in 2013. In honor of Small Business Saturday, Pier 6 is offering 30-percent-off gift cards purchased online on the 29th. Just use the promo code “SMALLBIZ.”
Olives and Grace
Olives and Grace, a small Tremont Street shop, features emerging artists and local food producers, selling everything from candles to cookbooks to tea. Now, for Small Business Saturday, Olives and Grace is throwing an event featuring breakfast from Sofra Bakery, face painting, fresh-pressed mocktails and a sauerkraut-making demonstration from local “small business warrior” Jeremy Ogusky.
Boston Bead Company
So maybe every time you walk by the Boston Bead Company in Harvard Square, you momentarily mistake it for a bakery before experiencing crushing disappointment. That doesn’t mean what they actually sell isn’t fabulous: beads by the bin, chains and ribbons and hemp by the spool, and numerous jewelry design tools and kits. They also do repairs, host jewelry-making parties for kids, teens and adults, and offer jewelry-making classes. This year, the store is offering 30 percent off all regular merchandise on Friday and Saturday.
Magpie
This year, American Express partnered with Etsy to arrange “trunk shows” in which Etsy artists could partner with area businesses to show off their art in-person. Somerville’s Magpie, a boutique selling local handmade crafts and indie design products, is partnering with Etsy artist littlepancakes, who mainly sells jewelry on her online store. Littlepancakes will be offering an expanded selection of her products “for easy and affordable gifts.”
Don’t forget to check out and support the other small businesses near you using the Shop Small Map. And tell us which Boston-based brick-and-mortars will be your go-to destinations this holiday season!
Image via Flickr User Mike Licht (CC BY 2.0)
