They’re our moms and pops, so after the mall, shop small
Published 1:30 am Thursday, November 22, 2018
EVERETT — It’s a tonic for that mall hangover from Black Friday. A fix until Cyber Monday indulgence.
Most of all, though, Small Business Saturday is a way to support mom-and-pop shops.
You know, those places with personal service, close parking and no shopping cart rage.
Local merchants band together on the Saturday after Thanksgiving in hopes of luring the masses away from the chains.
Even if it’s just for one day, think out of the big box. Think fun. Think less harried … or less hairy.
On Saturday, Waxology: A Beauty Boutique, a waxing hair removal service in downtown Everett, is adding a bonus on gift card purchases.
A Brazilian might be just what that big teddy bear in your life needs.
Small Business Saturday was founded by American Express to increase sluggish sales in 2010.
According to the American Independent Business Alliance, each dollar spent at independent stores returns three times more money to the local economy than the same purchase at a chain.
“Any time you get a boost like this it gives us another year to stay open. It helps the whole community,” said Tracy Felix, president of the 50-member Downtown Edmonds Merchants Association and owner of Art Spot.
Felix said stores will reveal new merchandise for the holidays, but she doesn’t expect lines to form on the sidewalk.
“It’s not Black Friday-type sales,” she said. “It’s a whole different mentality than waiting in line all night to get a $100 computer.”
Felix said many downtown businesses will stay open later on Saturday. The Edmonds tree lighting is also that day.
About 60 shops are participating in the Downtown Everett Association event. Find discounts on body piercings, bikes, herbal remedies, gym memberships, Silvertips gear and more.
Shop for art. The Schack Art Center has 10 percent off items by more than 170 regional artists in the gift shop.
Drink for a cause. Toggle’s Bottle Shop will donate $1 to Housing Hope on every pint. Buy a $50 gift card and get a free $5 card for yourself.
Eat something besides turkey. Save 20 percent on purchases at Major League Pizza in Everett.
Small Business Saturday is a big deal county-wide.
Arlington is closing part of downtown to traffic on Saturday.
“We’ll have firepits in the middle of the street where people can roast marshmallows and the stores will be staying open late. It’s a fun thing for the family,” said Kathleen Shalan, owner of Country Rose, a gifts and home decor shop. “It’s a big sale day for all of us. Saturday is our day. We try to have things in our stores you wouldn’t find in department stores.”
Plus, she said, “We’ll serve free hot cocoa and cookies.”
In Marysville, some stores will offer canvas “Shop Small” bags and other prizes, treats and specials on things you might not expect, such as lumber and tires.
At Malicious Women Candle Co. in Lake Stevens, sassy candles are $5 off on Saturday. The shop has 100 candle labels in categories including parenthood, cancer, weddings, military and recovery.
“We have a candle for every malicious occasion,” said Lacie Marsh-Carroll. She started making candles on her kitchen counter in 2017 as an outlet to vent her anxiety. The candles were so popular she opened a store in June.
Seasonal faves include “Happy Alcoholidays” and “Merry Christmas, Mom. Thanks for Raising Me — I’m Awesome.”
Her shop also has socks, jewelry, pillows and handmade items by six other Lake Stevens crafters.
Felix, with the Edmonds association, said Small Business Saturday goes beyond the financial boost.
“People come in and express how much they love us, and we need to hear that because it’s a tough gig being an independent,” she said.
Art Spot has fine art supplies, classes, books and gifts.
Pick up a $17.99 heat-changing mug of your choice: Hot liquid causes Mister Rogers to sport a cardigan, Star Trekkies to teleport to the other side of the mug or a painting to appear behind Bob Ross.
“Then we have the Great Nudes one,” Felix said of the mug that shows 13 clothed figures.
When hot, “Everyone loses their clothes.”
That should wake you up, even before that first swig of coffee.
Andrea Brown: abrown@heraldnet.com; 425-339-3443. Twitter @reporterbrown.
