Shop Small Saturday was created by American Express in 2010 as a way to focus attention on the importance of small businesses in the community during the busy holiday season. According to the National League of Cities, the United States has seen over 33% of small businesses close from 2020-2021. This year, holiday gift-giving may be even more challenging due to problems with shipping delays, labor shortages, and supply shortages. Big box retailers will likely have long lines, difficulty fulfilling online orders, and shortages. Small businesses that carry locally made items, however, should be in pretty good shape for your gift-giving needs.
This year’s Shop Small Saturday will be held November 27. Irvington businesses along East Washington St. and Audubon will be open, and there will be a Shop Small Market at the Irvington Lodge. 5515 E. Washington St., from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. featuring over 50 vendors of vintage, handmade and unique items. Actually, Hampton’s Designs will be celebrating Shop Small on the 26th and 27th, with a complimentary mimosa bar for 21+ shoppers, a free gift for the first 25 people to shop each day, and lots of specials from 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Other Irvington businesses within walking distance are the Irvington Vinyl & Books, the Irvington Theater Plant Shop in the Irving Theater building next to Boujie Biscuit. Check out Black Sheep Gifts, the Magic Candle on Audubon, plus restaurants and breweries in the neighborhood when you need to take a break.
On the near eastside, check out the businesses in Circle City Industrial Center at 1125 E. Brookside Ave., including SoChatti, Glass Arts Indiana, New Day Meadery, 8th Day Distillery, and Centerpoint Brewing. The newly-emerging Windsor Park businesses, including Stomping Ground gifts at 1625 Nowland, Amelia’s, and Kan-Kan Cinema and Brasserie. Some of the businesses will be offering swag bags on the East 10th St. corridor, including Rabble Coffee, Tim & Julie’s Another Fine Mess. The corridor is walkable between Rural and Sherman. The Holy Cross commercial district centers on East Washington & Michigan between Shelby to downtown, and includes Midland Antiques, Grounded Plant and Floral, Ash & Elm Cider, Alley Cat Ceramics, and many more shops. For a full list, visit the Feast of Lanterns Facebook page map.
Mass Ave’s small business community will have swag bag giveaways and lots more from 9 a.m.-9 p.m. all along the corridor. Shops participating include Silver in the City, Homespun, City Dogs Grocery, and Global Gifts. Mass Ave. is very walkable and is a great spot for finding all sorts of gifts.
In Beech Grove, there will be a free event with artists, small businesses, and more from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at Beech Grove Hornet Park Center, 5245 Hornet Ave. The organizers is asking for donations of canned goods as “admission” to the event to help local families.
Greenfield Main Street is hosting its own Small Business Saturday event beginning at 10 a.m. all along Main St. There will be selfie stations, food trucks from 1-5 p.m. prizes, and lots of activity for the whole family.
