Merchants welcome weekend shoppers with sales, service and sweets
The day after Thanks-giving, traditionally known as Black Friday, has now become a weekend-long shopping event where special discounts and treats hope to entice shoppers to support their local businesses.
The dark days of standing in line at chain stores are being replaced with a much more enjoyable shopping experience as local shopkeepers create an inviting environment for all your shopping needs. A gift for grandma, toys for tots or a book for Uncle Bill can all be found at locally owned stores across Sonoma County.
While big businesses are being boycotted for requiring employees to report to work even earlier this year, small local companies are showing their family values by opening a bit later. Stay in bed, have a turkey omelet and hit the streets at a normal hour knowing that you won’t be greeted with empty shelves.
The Town Green in Windsor will be dashing with decorations to start the day off right. Visit your local coffee shop before browsing the staple storefronts and be sure to check out the handful of newcomers, including women’s clothing boutique Mirror Mirror. All day on Friday, Mirror Mirror will offer 10 percent off your clothing purchase of $100 or more. Gift certificates are also available for merchandise and special shopping services.
“I offer personal shopping by appointment so if someone tells me the event or style they are looking for, I can pull things at no charge. I also offer private parties, so if you are having a girls night and dinner on the Green, you can always make an appointment to come here first for appetizers and champagne and I will close the store that evening for your group to shop,” Mirror Mirror owner Rachel Ellis said.
Those shopping for the little girls in their life won’t want to miss the deals at Tutu-A-Gogo, just around the corner, which will be participating in the Small Business Saturday shopping program through American Express and also offering customers a free solid color tutu of choice with any $50 purchase, a $15 value.
“We would love to see our loyal customers come and shop with us and new customers shop small with us on Saturday,” said owner Leah Wilson. “Come shop with us – we always look forward to meeting new people and encourage people to keep calm and shop local.”
A little further north, Healdsburg’s town square is one of the best spots to purchase holiday wines and maybe even have a taste or two while you’re there. Just outside of town, Garrett’s Ace Hardware, home to The Gift Horse Home Store, will be serving hot cider and cookies on Saturday where you can pick up kitchen gifts, home goods or a little something for your own dinner table. If you are the type that likes beautiful wrapping, creative bows and fun tape, trinkets and stocking stuffers, stop by the Healdsburg General Store on the Plaza and load up on the extras.
“We are going to be serving wine and local artisan chocolates for the evening of the 29th for our holiday party,” said Eva Finnan, who owns the general store with her husband Gary. “We will also start our Dry Creek Olive Oil Company tasting and they will have some fun stuff that you can use olive oil with and that will be running through the weekend as well.”
Need an afternoon refresher before filling your bags again? Hotel Healdsburg launches its annual ‘Holiday Afternoon Tea’ on Saturday, November 30, with more slots available to accommodate the high demand from years past. Take a load off, rest your feet and sip sparkling wine cocktails by the fire. Tea sandwiches, scones and desserts from Charlie Palmer’s Dry Creek Kitchen will be just the treat for those out spending on others.
Shops around Sebastopol will be staying open later starting Thanksgiving weekend; if you are in the west, stop by Silk Moon and meet the new owners who will offer complimentary gift wrap on one of your purchases.
“Silk Moon is a community-based boutique. We appreciate our loyal customers and will continue to supply them with the great service and unique selection that they have come to appreciate and love,” said new co-owner Andrea Caron.
Having trouble thinking about what to buy that special someone? Artisana on Main Street carries jewelry and gifts made by local artists. You can find pieces that range in price and your purchase will not only support local business but artists as well. Another great spot to find gifts for those hard-to-buy friends is Copper-field’s Books, which houses new titles and old classics, board games and stocking stuffers. Speaking of stocking stuffers, Cultivate kitchen store has endless goodies for the foodie in the family and many of them are just the right size to fill a sock.
The trip to Sebastopol wouldn’t be complete without a walk around The Barlow center where you can purchase wine and spirits, restaurant gift certificates or end your day at Woodfour Brewing Company with a locally brewed cold one.
For a complete list of shops participating in Small Business Saturday, visit www.americanexpress.com or visit any of your local stores to keep your dollars in the community.
Happy Shopping!
