Planning to #ShopSmall this holiday season? Get a head start by participating in this year's Small Business Saturday, which falls on Nov. 24. There are several local events and promotions that will be taking place throughout the day.
You might, for instance, check out Flint Handmade’s 12th Annual Holiday Craft Market. Held at the Flint Masonic Temple (755 S. Saginaw St., Flint), the event will bring together more than 40 local artisans specializing in a variety of unique, handmade items such as purses, jams and soaps.
While you’re in downtown Flint, don’t miss the businesses featured on this handy map from Flint Forum for Social Business and 100K ideas. Several will be offering special discounts and promotions, including GoodBoy Clothing (522 Saginaw St., #2, Flint), where customers can take advantage of a 10-percent discount and snag a 15-percent-off coupon good for a future purchase.
Also in downtown Flint, Flint Trading Co. (629 ½ S. Saginaw St., Flint) will have chocolate, wine and other goodies on hand for shoppers. Additionally, all purchases over $200 will receive a complimentary, Flint-made candle.
Nearby SHIFT (140 E. Second St., Flint) will also be hosting a variety of specials including giveaways, a Bloody Mary bar and 10 percent off regular-priced merchandise from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
There are also several promotions to check out inside the Patterson Building, located at Saginaw and Third Streets. Customers at Beauty Box Boutique (109 E. 3rd St., Flint) can fill their bags for just $20, while shoppers at Brush Alley Skate Shop (111 E. Third St., Flint) can snag 25-percent off all apparel and footwear. Around the corner, Flint Computer Works (653 S. Saginaw St., Flint) will be providing free computer inspections and diagnostics on any repair from 11 a..m. to 9 p.m.
While you’re at it, consider grabbing a bite to eat from one of downtown's many restaurants. Looking for one place with multiple options? Check out the Flint Farmers’ Market (300 E. First St., Flint), which is home to many restaurants and retailers.
As you head outside of downtown, be sure to stop at Word of Life Christian Church (460 West Atherton Road, Flint). There, more than 75 pop-up businesses are participating in the Flint Small Business Saturday shopping extravaganza. Vendors will be selling everything from chocolate dipped fruit and body care products to luggage and women’s sportswear.
Elsewhere in Flint, shoppers can take advantage of discounts at Southfield Gold & Diamonds (3201 S. Dort Hwy, Flint), where sales include 50 percent off select rings. And at Gaines Jewelry (3310 Beecher Road, Flint), shoppers will receive $50 off any purchase of $250 or more (excluding Pandora) as well as a free gift with any Pandora purchases of $125 or more.
At Genesee Valley Center in Flint Township, customers at Wears Like New (4362 Miller Road, Flint) can snag 30 percent off general merchandise and 50 percent off tops and sweaters. Additionally, clearance items will be priced half off all weekend at this upscale resale boutique.
In Grand Blanc, Mainstream Boutique (11419 S. Saginaw St.) will be joined by pop-up shops Scout & Cellar and the Detroit Grooming Company to celebrate the Shop Small festivities. Additionally, Neuenfeldt Family Eyecare (12770 S. Saginaw St., Grand Blanc) will offer giveaways and discounts on sunglasses and closeout frames.
And in Fenton, Bridge Street Exchange (104 S. Leroy St., Fenton) will offer a variety of specials, including 20 percent off footwear and a $5 gift card for every $20 gift card purchased. Small Business Saturday also marks the transition to the store’s extended holiday hours, meaning the business will now be open every day through Christmas Eve.
Nearby, other businesses offering Small Business Saturday specials include Siren Salon & Spa (4013 Owen Road, Fenton), where customers will receive an extra $10 for every $50 gift card purchased. And at Sugar Shack (121 First St., Fenton), customers can score free gifts with purchase–and snack on cake while they do it.
Not planning on leaving the house over the holiday weekend? No worries! It’s still possible to #ShopSmall on the Internet. In fact, several local businesses sell products online.
For example, there’s Article One Eyewear, Michigan at the Market, Halo Burger, Fireside Coffee Co. and Shumaker's Ski and Snowboard. And, of course, many businesses, including Spymaker Escape Games, Flint Firebirds and Serendipity Wellness Spa, sell e-gift cards and tickets on their websites.
This roundup barely scratches the surface of the very many small businesses that call Flint & Genesee home. After all, there are hundreds of retailers, restaurants and other small businesses that sell products, services and gift certificates that make great gifts all year round!