Small Business Saturday: Our Picks

By now, you’ve hopefully had your fill of turkey and may have even hit a few early morning sales at the big box stores for Black Friday. However, the long weekend isn’t over yet. Tomorrow is Small Business Saturday.

Launched and trademarked by American Express in 2010, the day has since been embraced across the country by groups from local chambers of commerce to the U.S. Small Business Administration. It was created as a way to remind people to spend some of their holiday money in local shops where it will support the businesses that make their communities unique.

While small, locally owned stores can’t compete with the sale prices offered by national chains, keeping your money local has benefits beyond what you take home in a bag. Study after study has shown that shopping local helps create communities that are vibrant, prosperous and connected.

So where should you shop for Small Business Saturday?

Lowell has no shortage of great stores offering unique gift ideas, and we wanted to share some of our favorites. These stores don’t know they are being included here, and this isn’t sponsored content or an advertorial. These are simply the places we love to visit personally. However, they certainly aren’t the only great shops in town. We suggest you start here, but then be sure to visit neighboring stores too.

Without further ado, here are our Small Business Saturday picks

Amanda’s Picks:

Ability Weavers

I love being able to purchase handmade items while helping a good cause at Ability Weavers. You can tell the weavers are proud of their work and enjoy seeing their pieces being purchased. Taking home an awesome product and helping those with disabilities be able to work, make money and be more independent is a great feeling.

Springrove Variety

Stepping into Springrove is a bit like stepping back in time. The small town feel of the store is inviting, and items that can be hard to find at regular box stores can sometimes be purchased here.

Treasures Thrift Shop

Each time you go into Treasures, you’ll find something new. Volunteer staff work hard to stock items, run the register and work behind the scenes. Good deals, cool finds and even some surprises can be found while shopping here. And proceeds from purchases at the store go back into the community through programs offered by Flat River Outreach Ministries.

Maryalene’s Picks:

Flat River Galley & Framing

There is something really special about receiving a handmade gift. However, since I am not crafty in the least, I turn to the artisans at Flat River Galley & Framing and other local art shops for my gift-giving. In the past, I have found ceramic ornaments for teachers, pottery for friends and hand drawn cards for Christmas cards. There is also plenty of art on the walls, but since everyone’s taste is different, it might be better to give a gift certificate rather than a painting.

Rookies

This is my go-to place to shop for the slightly nerdy teens in my life. Comics, graphic novels, strategy board games, Pokemon and more can be found at Rookies. If you don’t see what you want, ask about special orders. For my daughter’s 16th birthday, her list included a number of obscure manga books and graphic novels, and Rookies was able to order most for me. Check out the store’s Facebook page for its Black Friday and Small Business Saturday deals.

Sweet Seasons

After a busy day shopping, you’ll need some refreshment. Stop into Sweet Seasons for some homemade soup and cucumber infused water. Or warm up with coffee or hot chocolate and a sweet treat. There are usually plenty of fresh baked goods from which to choose. Plus, Sweet Seasons has a selection of gift items for sale, not to mention bags of coffee for the connoisseur on your list.

Flat River Cottage

Ok, we’re only supposed to pick three, but I’m going to cheat and add a fourth. After Sweet Seasons, walk next door to Flat River Cottage. This is my favorite place for refurbished furniture, and some of the pieces in my house that I love best come from Flat River Cottage. Of course, you probably aren’t going to want to give an armoire to your great-aunt, but the shop is filled with all sorts of giftable items such as ornaments, soaps, jewelry, home decor and more.

Tina’s Picks:

Gary’s Meats

You might need to save your shopping here until later in the season, but don’t discount our local meat market for gifts. Although it may seem that meat would not be a traditional gift, I often purchase some great steaks or other premium cuts for what turns out to be an always appreciated selection. Its small town feel and customer service has made Gary’s a great place to round out the shopping week. I’m truly thankful that Lowell continues to have a small town market with friendly hometown customer service.

Tap House Bo

Photo courtesy of Tap House Bo

For those who know me, it is clear that shopping, especially for clothing, is not my thing. The emergence of several boutiques in Lowell has been a blessing. Tap House Bo is a charming and very personable shop. It allows those of us who are fashion-challenged to update our wardrobe with items that are comfortable to wear and practical for our lifestyle as well as stylish.

Red Barn Consignment and Antiques

With an always changing array of antiques that are fun to browse, Red Barn often leads a person to find that unique piece of history that they must have. As an antique enthusiast and the owner of a home that is best furnished with items from a bygone era, Red Barn Consignment is a trusted shop that has helped me find just the right items. Of course, picking up a few Cherry Republic Michigan treats while there is always a plus.

These are just a few of our favorite Lowell shops. What are yours? Tell us in the comments below or on our Facebook page.

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