Black Friday is one of the busiest shopping days of the year. But while large chain stores reap its benefits, smaller, local shops don’t usually profit as much from the holiday shopping season kickoff.
Small Business Saturday counters the Black Friday madness with promises of great deals at mom-and-pop shops. Small businesses throughout Westchester are using the day, November 28, as a way to boost holiday sales. American Express launched small Business Saturday in 2010, and it has proved popular with consumers increasingly looking to shop locally.
“It’s definitely gaining momentum,” says Manny Polloni, co-owner of American Terrain Outdoors in White Plains, which has been participating in Small Business Saturday since its start. “For us, it’s a chance as a small business to reconnect with the community.”
In 2014, an estimated $14.3 billion was spent at independent businesses on Small Business Saturday, thanks to shoppers like Armonk Chamber of Commerce Vice President Christopher Carthy. Instead of waiting in a long line of cars at The Westchester on Small Business Saturday last year, Carthy headed to a local jewelry shop to purchase a gift for his wife. “I got great service and a great price,” he recalls.
Most of the local businesses in Chappaqua will be participating in the day, with giveaways, and great deals. Here are some other shops to check out on Small Business Saturday.
American Terrain Outdoors
The store, perfect for outdoor adventurers, will be giving its customers up to 30 percent on Small Business Saturday. They’ll also be having BOGO sales, where you can receive half-off your second item.
175 E Post Road
White Plains, NY 10601
(914) 682-3971
www.americanterrain.com/
Melita’s Home Furnishings
Melita is hosting a full weekend of fun with some of your favorite local, entrepreneurial women at Melita and Friends Holiday Bazaar. Enjoy live music while shopping for clothes, getting massages, and buying handmade jewelry and soaps on both Saturday, November 28 and Sunday, November 29.
125 Main St, Ste 3
Ossining, NY 10562
(914) 923-0351
www.facebook.com/melitashome/
Chocolations
Eat cookies with Santa at this free event for all! Bring a new, unwrapped gift to donate to St. Rita’s Clinic, and get ahead on your holiday shopping to save 5 percent on your purchases.
607 East Boston Post Road
Mamaroneck, NY 10543
(914) 777-3600
www.chocolations.com/
Beehive Designer Collective
This everything-in-one store will be having discounts throughout their shop. Buy jewelry, accessories, home décor, and apparel all at a great deal. Enter a raffle, and win giveaways this Small Business Saturday.
337 E Main Street
Mount Kisco, NY 10549
(914) 218-8700
www.beehivemtkisco.com
The Brazen Fox
Enjoy an eclectic meal at this White Plains bar and restaurant. Buy a $50 gift certificate, and get a second $20 certificate free. Or, buy a $100 gift certificate, and get a free $50 certificate.
175 Mamaroneck Avenue
White Plains, NY 10601
(914) 358-5911
www.thebrazenfox.com/
Groovy on Grand
Join this funky little shop in their 3rd annual gift-making workshop. This multi-location workshop will take you to places all over Croton to make eight custom creations in total. Kids, teens, and adults will love designing gifts for their friends and family.
9 Old Post Road South
Croton-on-Hudson, NY 10520
(914) 271-1030
www.groovyongrand.com
The Voracious Reader
Celebrating Indies First and Small Business Saturday, this little bookshop will be offering giveaways, story times, and surprise author visits and signings. With refreshments available, this unique bookstore will be celebrating the community this November.
1997 Palmer Avenue
Larchmont, NY 10538
(914) 630-4581
www.thevoraciousreader.com
