Since 2010, when American Express created Small Business Saturday, small businesses have benefited from extra traffic coming into their shops. Customers, weary of the crush of Black Friday big-box madness, are beginning to appreciate the small shops in their neighborhood.
This year’s Shop Small will take place on Saturday, November 28 all day — and, like all things in 2020 and the age of COVID-19, it will be different. There is a state mask mandate, so all patrons must wear a face mask. Shops may restrict how many customers can come in at a time to ensure social distancing of at least 6 feet, so you might have to wait outside before you can shop. Many stores provide hand sanitizer stations throughout the store, and will encourage patrons to use them. Others may ask that you shop online and pick up at the store.
The Irvington merchants will pull out al the stops along East Washington and Audubon St. to celebrate the beginning of the holiday season. Individual merchants will be offering all kinds of deals, including specials, free gifts, and much more. Hampton Designs will be offering two days of deals beginning Friday, Nov. 27, including specials on Local Radish jewelry, Musee Bath balms, and special gifts for the first 30 guests each day. Bonna Shops, on the corner of Bonna and Audubon, always has an exceptional selection of home decor and gifting items. Across the street from the Bonna is Magic Candle, which has a great selection of jewelry, books, candles and magical items — they recently renovated the store, so check it out! While you’re at Magic Candle, you might want to make a donation to the Christmas fund for food for needy seniors in our community. Black Sheep Gifts on East Washington has lots of great gift items, including cool jigsaw puzzles, personal care products, scarves and gloves, and lots more. Just a few doors down, Beth Clary Fine Arts just opened, and you can pop in to see what this great gallery has to offer. Jockamo’s Upper Crust always dishes out a great slice, so stop by there for lunch! Later on in the evening, stop at the newly remodeled Black Acre Brewing Company’s digs. In Irvington Plaza, the Irvington Flea Market boasts lots of vendors specializing in collectables, tools, gifts, and much more.
Downtown Indianapolis, including Mass Ave., is likely to have several shops participating in Shop Small events, including Homespun and Silver in the City. East 10th Street’s small businesses like Audrey’s Place (vintage and antiques), and Tim and Julie’s Another Fine Mess (antiques), are sometimes overlooked, but they offer incredible value. Check out the Inspire 10th St. Window artwork at 3202 E. 10th (10th and Dearborn) from 7-11 p.m. for a kinetic display of light and shadow. And while you’re over there, check out the many restaurants and pubs that have opened!
Fountain Square and Fletcher Place businesses will be offering Small Business Saturday passports — visit 10 participating businesses and get your passport stamped and you’ll be entered into a drawing for a gift basket of local goodies. The event will begin at 10 a.m. Fountain Square businesses include a music store, art shops, brew pubs, a chocolate store, vintage shops, and much more. Fountain Square is located along Virginia Ave., Shelby St., Prospect St.
Now is an especially critical time to support local businesses. According to data from Opportunity Insights, Indianapolis has lost about 25% of its small businesses due to the pandemic, and is in danger of losing more as the pandemic drags on. Restaurants and bars are especially vulnerable, as seating restrictions and mask requirements have curtailed their business. In addition, job losses have also curtailed spending on non-essential items, putting additional pressure on small businesses.
