SPOKANE, Wash. — Small Business Saturday is coming up on Nov. 28, and small Spokane businesses need the public's support more than ever.
Except this year, the small business support doesn't stop after Thanksgiving Weekend. Spokane Mayor Nadine Woodward made a proclamation that every Saturday until Dec. 12 will be Small Business Saturday in Spokane.
New COVID-19 restrictions in Washington state have limited in-store capacity to 25% amid a surge of new cases, and many stores had to close down for months when the initial COVID-19 restrictions went into place last April.
Here's a guide for where to go, and how to shop to make the most of Small Business Saturday(s) this year.
Tips for holiday shopping:
Amid new COVID-19 restrictions, stores have to limit the number of customers allowed in at one time. Here are some tips that may help you knock out your holiday shopping while supporting small businesses this year.
- Get an early start: Shipping times may be delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, so do any ordering online as soon as possible. It's also a good idea to stop by any retail stores you want to hit up in person before the holiday rush sets in. Otherwise, you may have to wait to get in due to a 25% capacity cap for indoor retail. Visiting a store during the middle of the week will give you a better opportunity to browse while the store isn't at capacity.
- Go shopping during an off time: Visiting a store during the middle of the week will give you a better opportunity to browse while the store isn't at capacity.
- Utilize curbside pickup: If you want to skip the lines, order ahead and pick it up curbside. Check out the store's social media to see if they're offering curbside pickup or other options that reduce your time in the store.
- Know what you want ahead of time: Knowing what you're looking for will help small businesses get customers in and out more quickly, so more people can shop.
Where to shop:
Here's a list of just a few of the small businesses in Spokane. Know a business that should be on this list? Let us know!
- Atticus Coffee & Gifts: Atticus Coffee & Gifts makes espresso drinks, drip coffee, loose-leaf teas, and house-made granola. They also offer four different Parisian-style sandwiches as well as cookies and pastries from Cake Bakery and Boots Bakery in Spokane.
- Aunties Bookstore: Auntie's Bookstore is an independent bookstore in downtown Spokane that sells both new and used books "to match any budget." On Small Business Saturday Auntie's is hosting a virtual event where local writers will talk about what they've been reading lately beginning at 12:30 and ending around 3 p.m. Guests are welcome to come and go, and everyone who stops by will get a special 15% off Small Business Saturday Coupon. Check out the schedule of writers set to appear on the event page.
- Barrister Winery: Barrister Winery has a wine tasting room in downtown Spokane will reopen for a short time on Black Friday and Small Business Saturday. They produce most of their wine just a little ways away on Railroad Avenue, and also offer delivery.
- Bloem: Bloem sells flowers, chocolates and gifts in downtown Spokane. They offer flower daily deliveries on flowers, chocolates, balloons and cards. They also carry Crane & Co. stationary and personalized invitations for weddings.
- Boo Radley's: Boo Radley's offers pop culture with a wacky twist. Funky, edgy pop-culture cards, gifts, shirts, toys, books, decor and whatever else you think is kinda cool or weird.
- Brew Brothers Espresso Lounge: A neighborhood coffeehouse offering locally roasted brews, pastries, wine and beer.
- Brick West Brewing Co: A fifteen barrel brewery and taproom in downtown Spokane. The brewery offers seasonal sips and perennial classics. They are currently offering delivery on your favorite beers.
- Bruttles Gourmet Candy: Bruttles is offering one-of-a-kind gourmet candy. Their recipe has been passed down and improved over the last 68 years. The result is a confection with a soft, flaky consistency and a rich, creamy peanut butter flavor.
- Cues Boutique: A fashion forward boutique downtown that will have you feeling confident in your outfit. They have premium clothes with options for all styles.
- The Candle Bar Co.: At The Candle Bar Co you can buy a candle, refill a candle container or create your own. They also offer candle making classes and parties and sell candle making supplies. They are also offering 20% off of everything in their store on Nov. 28.
- Decorum Gifts: A locally owned gift store carrying the perfect gift for every occasion. From the humorous to the heartfelt you will find it at Decorum.
- Dressed by Eva: A unique collection of European clothing, new and slightly used, one of a kind, different styles, classic, casual, sophisticated, trendy, bohemian, very affordable pricing, shipped across the ocean, directly from Italy, UK, Germany, and France.
- Echo Boutique: A resale sore with quality brands you crave at a price you can afford.
- Evans Brothers Coffee Roasters: A coffee shop originally started in Sandpoint Idaho with a new downtown Spokane location in Wonder Market.
- Fringe & Fray: A resale boutique, locally owned and operated, committed to offering quality goods at affordable prices. If you're looking for a creative blend of vintage and modern apparel, locally made jewelry, or bit of home decor stop by for a visit.
- Garland Resale Boutique: A brand new resale boutique in the heart of downtown Spokane, located in the Symons building. They offer women's resale clothing, accessories, and gift items. Dog and kid-friendly!
- Giant Nerd Books: Both new and used books, comics graphic novels and vintage paperbacks.
- Hallett's Chocolates and Coffee: A family owned candy store started in Otis Orchard's Wash. They sell 120 different chocolates and candies year round, as well as fruit candies seasonally.
- Indaba Coffee Roasters: A coffee shop and restaurant on Riverside. Every bag of coffee sold provides a meal for someone in need.
- Johnson's Custom Jewelry Inc.: A mainstay in the Spokane Jewelry industry. Johnson's Custom Jewelry works with customers to create the perfect piece for that special occasion.
- Pistole: A locally owned boardshop in downtown Spokane featuring skateboards, gear and more.
- Pottery Place Plus: An artist cooperative and mixed media art gallery that features fine arts and crafts made by Spokane artists. The gallery offers pottery, blown, fused and stained glass, fiber arts and a wide selection of jewelry along with handmade candles and bath products. They also sell photography. oil, acrylic and watercolor paintings.
- Revival Tea Company: Retail sales, a tea bar and a manufacturing space in a historic basement in the heart of downtown Spokane.
- Savvy Home: A home décor store offering rare and classy items. All items are selected carefully to meet all of their discerning clients needs.
- Senator Guitars: Senator Guitars is a boutique music store in downtown Spokane. The Senator is a place built for all levels of musicians to come and feel comfortable grabbing any instrument off the wall and rocking out. It is also a place for musicians to come hang out with other musicians and talk about music.
- Teneff Jewelry: Teneff Jewelry is an independent jewelry retailer in Downtown Spokane. They also do custom jobs and repair work.
- The Bike Hub: Spokane's resident bike shop. They carry bikes from Trek, Giant, Santa Cruz, Ibis, Transition and FIT.
- Trackside Studio Ceramic Art Gallery: A working ceramic studio and an elegant sales gallery in downtown Spokane. They feature monthly ceramic exhibits.
- Uncle's Games: Uncle's has an amazing selection of board games for all ages and interest, the region's largest selection of jigsaw puzzles, daily events and much more!
- Whiz Kids: They have puzzles and educational games for kids. Whiz Kids has a large selection to help make at-home learning fun for everyone.
- Wonders of the World: Wonders of the World, located in the Historic Flour Mill, contains the largest, most eclectic collection of unique jewelry, beads, art, artifacts and natural wonders anywhere in the Pacific Northwest.
Every Saturday is Small Business Saturday:
Spokane Mayor Nadine Woodward made a proclamation on Saturday, Nov. 21, that every Saturday through Dec. 12 will be Small Business Saturday in Spokane.
On Nov. 16, new restrictions on indoor retail went into effect capping in-store capacity at 25%. Local Businesses who rely on the holiday season are now worrying about staying open.
"Amidst the global pandemic, it is more important than ever to shop local and support our small businesses," a post on the City of Spokane's Facebook page reads.
The proclamation is a part of a larger plan to support small businesses through COVID-19 shutdowns.
The plan also includes:
- A partnership with local vendors to host a winter marketplace in the Riverfront Park Pavilion every Wednesday in December and January from 3-7 pm. Nearly 20 vendors and 2 food trucks will be placed throughout the Pavilion Central Plaza (outdoors), Pavilion Main Lobby, and Sky Room (indoors). The market will follow the Spokane Regional Health District Farmer's Market COVID safety protocols. Additional details will be announced soon.
- A virtual tree lighting celebration on November 27 as a kickoff to the Riverfront Park holiday tree walk through the New Year.
- An expanded Trail of Lights holiday display at Riverfront Park beginning December 1 through the New Year.
- A drive-through holiday light show at Manito Park. Additional details will be coming soon.
- Numerous other outdoor activities, including continued work on a plan to open the Numerica Skate Ribbon based on current public health guidance are being finalized. Activities will include virtual recreational nights, including board games, bingo, trivia, and holiday yoga for family and friends.
- Renewed emphasis on #OrderUpSpokane to generate energy and excitement for takeout option citywide.
- Renewed emphasis on 10-minute parking zones established for curbside patronage.
Other elements still in development include:
- A partnership with the region’s mayors on a letter to the federal Congressional delegation urging support for additional COVID-relief funds and an extension on time for local organizations to spend current funds.
- Engaging small businesses in informal virtual collaboration and information-sharing.
- Developing greater awareness and emphasis on neighborhood business districts.
- Revising a holiday ticket concept to encourage patronage of local businesses citywide.
- Evaluating additional parking meter options and partnerships with businesses to promote safe retail visits within state guidance.
Small Business Saturday was created by American Express in 2010.
American Express reported that 62% of small businesses would need to see shopping return to pre-COVID-19 levels by the end of 2020 in order to stay open.
For every dollar spent at a small business, approximately 67 cents of that dollar stays in the local community, according to BusinessWire.