Want to buy local? Here’s where to shop on Small Business Saturday in Fresno and Clovis
Thousands of people will flood big-box stores on Black Friday, but another shopping day is becoming increasingly popular: Small Business Saturday.
The Saturday after Thanksgiving, it’s designed to be a day when smaller, locally owned businesses that don’t have huge marketing budgets get in on the holiday shopping action.
The day was originally created in 2010 by American Express to promote companies it does business with. It’s been co-sponsored by the Small Business Administration since 2011.
The event is getting more popular, with independent retailers reporting being increasingly busy on the day in recent years.
More and more locally owned retailers are promoting the day. And this year brings numerous vendor fairs selling all kinds of Christmas gifts and stocking stuffers.
Keep reading to see a sampling of ideal places to go shopping Saturday.
But first, why shop small?
Small businesses rely on the busy holiday season.
Nearly a quarter of annual sales are made in the weeks between Black Friday and New Year’s Eve, according to Forbes.
And the holiday season can make or break small retailers. An American Express survey of owners found 24% said holiday sales determine whether a business will survive into next year.
Plus, a higher percentage of the money you spend stays in the community when buying from local businesses compared to chains.
Where to shop
First, note there are way too many locally owned stores to list here. So if you’ve got a favorite, go shop there.
But a few parts of town have clusters of stores that make buying local easy. Vendor fairs are packed full of locals making and selling gifts this time of year, especially Saturday.
And some businesses are doing something extra special this year.
Here’s a look at who’s doing what.
Old Town Clovis is Small Business Saturday hot spot. With a mix of locally owned boutiques selling clothing and jewelry, and antique shops, it’s easy to walk from store to store.
Also, the area will have horse-drawn carriage rides from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. that day, and other weekends.
The Small Business Saturday Broadway Block Party is from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. downtown in front of the Peerless building at Broadway and Amador streets. Broadway will be shut down so more than 30 vendors can sell ceramics, jewelry, skin care, food and more.
Tickets cost $5 and proceeds go to a scholarship for one small business selected at the event. Tickets are available online via The Shop at KLSD.
Let It Grow is a plant shop at 529 E. Shields Ave. with several other businesses under one roof, including skin care and used books.
It’s hosting a three day market with different guest vendors out back starting at 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. Friday. It continues Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The Holiday Boutique at Gazebo Gardens runs from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday at the nursery at 3204 N. Van Ness Blvd. The business also has its own boutique and coffee shop on site too.
The free event will have vendors selling candles, decor, vintage items and more.
The Vineyard Farmers Market will host a Holiday Gift & Craft Show from 7 a.m. to noon this Saturday with live music. It will happen again on Dec. 3, 10 and 17.
Farmers will also have edible gifts like nuts and honey available.
The market is 100 W. Shaw Ave., at the northwest corner of Blackstone and Shaw avenues.
Chinatown may not seem like a hub of holiday shopping, but the businesses there are getting in on the season. At least 10 are offering coupon specials between Saturday and the end of the year.
Participating businesses include La Elegante Taqueria (known for its tacos), Central Fish, and new restaurant Grandma Jane’s Kitchen. Check out Chinatown’s website accounts for details.
This story was originally published November 24, 2022 at 5:30 AM.
