Sandwiched between Black Friday and Cyber Monday is a shopping holiday that benefits you and our city.
Shop Small Saturday is an initiative, originally founded by American Express, to encourage people to shop local. Locally owned Bridgeport retailers are gearing up for Saturday, Nov. 26, by offering discounts and special events.
Market on Main owner Perris Reed welcomes shoppers to browse a wide array of items made and sold by local artisans and entrepreneurs. While doing so, they can enjoy the sound of The Six String Outlaws, a local country/rock band headed up by Dylan Hinzman. He and his fellow band members – all Bridgeport High School students – will begin playing at 11 a.m when the store opens. Shopping hours will be through 6 p.m. Saturday. Mr. Taco Food Truck will be on hand.
There will also be an opportunity to win some nice door prizes.
“We’re working on putting some basket raffles together. Several of our vendors are donating to that,” Reed said.
Located at 103 West Main, Market on Main features everything from jewelry and home décor to clothing, candles, personal care items and more.
Across the street at 110 West Main Street,About You Monograms will also be observing Small Business Saturday. For a donation to the Boxing it Up to Give Thanks program, shoppers will receive a 25 percent discount on merchandise including collectibles, attire, jewelry, novelties, holiday items, baby items and much more. Many items sold in the store can be monogrammed in-house.
The same 25 percent discount is offered at the Mistletoe Holiday Shoppe, a one-stop experience for all things Christmas. Inside, shoppers will find unique toys, ornaments, glassware, gift items, wooden boards and all the items to create a charcuterie board. There will also be giveaways at both stores, open 9 a.m. through 1 p.m. Saturday, 10-5 Tuesday through Thursday and 10-4 Friday.
Santa Gene will be at the Mistletoe Holiday Shoppe and for a donation to Boxing it Up, visitors can grab a keepsake photo. Professional photos will also be available for purchase. Mistletoe Holiday Shoppe is located at in the former GAL Land Company office building, 106 East Main Street.
At 410 East Main, Artworks – which features an art gallery, unique gifts and custom framing – will be holding a Small Business Saturday party, said owner Lotus MacDowell.
“We’ll have discounts, refreshments and an art giveaway,” she said.
Artworks is open 9:30 a.m. through 5:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday.
The city’s newest boutique, Raising June, will host a Cider Sip & Shop for Small Business Saturday. Located at 153 West Main, Suite C, the store features owner Kelly Carey’s own children’s line Mo Baby, as well as other baby and children’s items. The store is open 12-4 p.m. Saturday. In addition to complimentary cider, each purchase gives shoppers one entry into a drawing for a gift basket valued at over $100.
Bridgeport Community Development Director Andrea Kerr said like big box stores, money generated from small businesses helps fund important city resources including police, fire, infrastructure and many community events and recreational activities.
The city promotes Small Business Saturday, as well as the year-round support of our city retailers.
“Small businesses are the backbone of our community,” Kerr said. “They are our friends, neighbors, and family members. We should all do our best to support them in any way we can.”