The Small Business Saturday phenomenon was created by American Express in 2010 and was officially co-sponsored by the Small Business Administration. This year, Shop Small will be held on Saturday, Nov. 30.
In 2023, the reported projected spending in the U.S. from those who shopped at small businesses on Small Business Saturday was around $17 billion according to the SBA. Since 2010, the total reported U.S. spending at small businesses during the annual Small Business Saturday is an estimated $201 billion.
Small businesses are the backbone of our community, offering a local experience. While much of shopping is done online or at the big box stores, there is a critical need to financially support our local spots. Small business owners are passionate about their goods and services, know their communities, and sponsor events and teams year round.
Locally, Hampton & Co. at 5515 E. Washington St., will be open Friday and Saturday for Small Business weekend Friday Nov. 29 and Saturday Nov. 30 from 9 a.m.-10 p.m. each day. There will be a complimentary mimosa bar & donuts, doorbuster specials, and giveaways both days.
On Saturday, Nov. 30 from 11 a.m.-5 p.m.Shop Small Saturday in will be all throughout Historic Irvington. Discover an amazing selection of vintage goods, handmade treasures, and one-of-a-kind finds from talented local vendors. This is the perfect opportunity to support small businesses and check off your holiday shopping list with unique, thoughtful gifts. Stores participating include Black Sheep Gifts, Market Vintage, Hazeables, Breathe Studio, Salon Citrine, Jack’s Donuts, Trap Door Tattoos, BaZaar Oh Vintage, Irvington Vinyl and Books, The shops can be found on East Washington and Johnson St., as well as at Bonna Ave. and Audubon. BaZaar Oh Vintage is located further east at 5844 E. Washington.
All of this is a run-up to Friday, December 6th, from 5–10 p.m. for the highly anticipated return of the Irvington Holiday Open House 2024, hosted by the Irvington Business Association. Get ready for a festive evening featuring appearances by Santa, Elsa, Frosty, and The Grinch, along with activities like cookie and ornament decorating, carolers, elf and princess makeovers, a tree auction, live music, and so much more. As of this writing, specific businesses and their offerings are being finalized.
Many areas of Indianapolis and Greenfield will have specials. Greenfield Main St. will have a vendor market at Bradley Hall Events, from 8 a.m.-4 p.m., located at 2 W. Main. Other Main Street shops will have specials that day as well. Broad Ripple also has a large Shop Small event in the Village, located by College and Broad Ripple Ave. Beech Grove has a very walkable downtown, with some great vintage shops and unique gift stores.
