Small Business Saturday, launched by American Express in 2010 to promote local retailers, restaurants, and services, is looking to continue its successful charge in 2017. Last year, an estimated 112 million shoppers bought at small businesses, a 13 percent increase over 2015.
Officially recognized by Congress in 2011, Small Business Saturday joins Black Friday and Cyber Monday as the biggest shopping weekend of the year. Support from public officials in all 50 states has added to the effort.
According to the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), small businesses provide jobs for 58 million Americans. Local firms give back to their communities, create healthy neighborhoods, and offer residents more choices. Shoppers and retailers are building relationships within their communities, and Small Business Saturday is becoming a holiday tradition.
To help showcase local businesses, American Express has created a Shop Small® map displaying establishments in every state. We browsed the map and selected a variety of businesses we can’t wait to shop.
FASHION
Betsy Jenney
With outstanding personal service, Betsy Jenney carries designer clothes from all over the world, offering unique styles from the eclectic to the refined. Her shop includes professional, casual, occasion, and cocktail clothing as well as bridal gowns. She dresses her mannequin, Jenney, in various looks, fully accessorized, for her blog.
114 Newbury St., Boston, MA; 617-536-2610; betsyjenney.com.
Hephaestus Jewelry Gallery
Appropriately named for the Greek god of fire and forge and the patron of metal craftsmen, Hephaestus is the premier source for artisan-created jewelry in Palm Springs. Designer and owner Jef Timms apprenticed with a master goldsmith and continues to focus on one-of-a-kind rings, bracelets, necklaces, and unique designs for his clientele.
132 La Plaza, Palm Springs, CA; 760 325-5395; hephaestusjewelry.com.
Syd Jerome Menswear
Opened by Sid Shapiro in 1958 and now owned and operated by Sid and his son, Scott, it’s a true family business. Offering designer menswear along with superior attention, quality tailoring, image and wardrobe consulting, they are valued by their loyal clients who have said, “They make shopping easy.”
2 North La Salle, Chicago, IL; 312-346-0333; sydjerome.com.
DINING
Dallas Chop House
Specializing in dry-aged steak, seafood, and specialty cocktails, this restaurant is known for exceptional service, great wine selection, elegant ambience, and of course, delicious dining. Saturday Scotch & Cigars, monthly tasting menus, and Monday through Saturday Social Hour make it a popular local spot with an inviting outdoor space.
1717 Main St., Ste. 100, Dallas, TX; 214 736-7300; dallaschophouse.com.
Meriwether’s Restaurant and Skyline Farm
On the site of the 1905 “Lewis and Clark Exposition,” this historic building’s exterior is unchanged from the 1920s. Owners John and Renee Orlando carefully restored the building to its original beauty, renovating stained glass windows and designing the garden. Their own seasonal produce is served at the warm, comfortable restaurant.
2601 NW Vaughn St., Portland, OR; 503-228-1250; meriwethersnw.com.
Hatch Family Chocolates
Since 1917, four generations have been part of their Salt Lake City community, providing hand-dipped chocolates, ice cream, and frozen hot chocolate—plus live jazz on weekends, magician Mondays, and outdoor summer movies.
376 E. 8th Ave., Salt Lake City, UT; 801-532-4912; hatchfamilychocolates.com.
HOME + DESIGN
Kakar House of Design
With luxury vintage furnishings, antiques, custom furniture and accessories from around the world, owner and interior designer Anil Kakar creates homes of unique style and beauty. The firm offers lighting, custom pillows and bedding, new and vintage rugs, art, and sculpture. Vintage items from auctions and estate sales are meticulously restored.
8650 Biscayne Blvd. #23, Miami, FL; 305-756-6363; kakarhouseofdesign.com.
Dreams
Family-owned and operated since 1993, Dreams services interior designers and the general public, providing one-of-a-kind fabrics, fine linens, exquisite down bedding, custom upholstery, window treatments, towels, robes, and custom sewing. In their down and feather plant, they clean, refurbish, and manufacture pillows and comforters.
921 Howard St., San Francisco, CA; 415 543-1800; dreamsinteriors.com.
The Paper Lady
Dedicated to the art of correspondence, Rosie Wiedenmayer, AKA The Paper Lady, offers exceptional customer service as a consultant and creative resource in selecting quality stationery, unique invitations, party favors, and accessories. Her product line includes cards and paper goods from sophisticated to sassy, traditional and classic.
1018 S. Gaylord St., Denver, CO; 303-722-6877; paperladyonline.com.
SERVICES
Bicycle Roots
Owners Nechama Levy and Joe Lawler own this friendly neighborhood bike shop, offering professional service, bike repair, clothing, and accessories. They help buyers find the right bike for their needs with a host of brands, styles, and prices ranging from $200 to $4,000. They provide riding advice, bike fitting, classes, and rentals.
609 Nostrand Ave., Brooklyn, NY; 718 668-5224; bicycleroots.com.
Import Auto Maintenance
Their AAA-certified specialists, working with the highest quality diagnostic tools, diagnose, repair, and maintain luxury and imported vehicles. In the same location for over 40 years, they are trusted members of the community and committed to customer service. They publish a blog on various topics involving driving and auto care.
1616 Broadway, Nashville, TN; 615 647-6092; importautomaintenance.com.
Cos Cob TV & Audio
Doing business in their community since 1945, they have evolved from a small radio repair shop to become specialists in home theater design, audio and video technology, home automation, Wi-Fi and networking, media rooms, landscape lighting, outdoor television and sound systems, temperature control, and automated window treatments.
5 Strickland Rd., Cos Cob, CT; 203-869-2277; coscobtv.com.
