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Small Business Sunday Holiday Shopping Extravaganza

It’s the holiday season and one event to kick off the holiday shopping season is Small Business Saturday! Remember my post last year of all the awesome places to shop local in Des Moines? Well, Small Business Saturday is happening again this year on Saturday, November 29th!

In celebration of Small Business Saturday another great event is taking place on Sunday, November 30th … The Small Business Sunday Holiday Shopping Extravaganza.

This event is specifically for local vendors to showcase all their art and businesses. Shannon Stimple, a local artist in Des Moines, participated in a Small Business Saturday event and there was such a great turn out that she decided to host one herself, this year on Sunday, November 30th from 12 pm – 5 pm at Z’s Bar and Grill/Legion Hall.

There are so many participants signed up representing so many realms of art including: cooking spices, airbrush, photography, fibers, jewelry, pottery, gift baskets, body art, and tons more!

Vendors include :

  1. Shannon Stimple with SMS Custom Designs–jewelry and not your typical Tie Dye
  2. Lynsi Pasutti with Turtle Star Studio–functional & decorative slab pottery
  3. Gayle Curtis with herbal delights
  4. Karla Risius-Schumacher and Angela Perez with Gift Baskets and other Handmade Giftables
  5.  SkeieScapes (Cindy Skeie) with bright, wonderful Photography
  6. Veronica Deitrick and Fuku Wonwon with Dog Hats and Accessories
  7. Steve Baier with Air Brushed Masterpieces
  8. Maggie Howe with Girl With A Sword Productions- Fibers and Scarves
  9. John Gibney with JAG Photography
  10. Sarah Norman with Alternative Artistry Body Art
  11. Spice Shed has delicious, organic, salt free spice mixes
  12. Joy Hockensmith with funky, cool Jewelry
  13. Danèlle Stamps with savory kitchen must-haves from her family farm
  14. Betsy Hemping with Deep Rooted Fine Beaded Art
  15. Kim Bat Kreatures with Spooky Art
  16. Kaitlin Flury with fantastical paintings
  17. Anne Llewellyn with Shaded Tree Bakery will have scrumptious treats
  18. Annie Wood-Long with her fashion-forward hair accessories for teens and kids
  19. Meagan Tron of Trondo airbrush/spray paint art
  20. D.Ryan Allen with his captivating and curious illustrations
  21. Michael Lundberg with Meeka Mouse –painting
  22. And perhaps a few more still to come!

(Image Source)

Why is it important to shop local?  When you buy local  you are doing four important things:

  1. Supporting entrepreneurship
  2. Building a strong community
  3. Helping create local jobs in the community
  4. Keeping money in the local economy

Spend your Black Friday cuddled up at home, digesting that wonderful turkey feast and go out to shop Saturday & Sunday to help your local community!

For more information about the Small Business Sunday Holiday Shopping Extravaganza please check out the official event page on Facebook.

Small Business Saturday

Small Business Saturday is fast approaching and I love that this day has become so well-known and supported. American Express designated that the first Saturday, after Thanksgiving, would be Small Business Saturday a few years ago. They did this as the United States was experiencing a recession. The goal of Small Business Saturday is to well … shop local and support small businesses.

One thing to remember when you are shopping local, you may be paying a bit more, but you are supporting your community. You also cannot find the creativity, you may find from local businesses, in big brand names such as Toys R Us, Target, Walmart, etc.

I will admit that I tend to fall for the GREAT deals that big brand names offer and turn to that route, instead of buying locally. This holiday season, I am setting a goal for myself … I will purchase 1-2 items locally or even MORE! I think that everyone else should set themselves a goal, to help support small businesses and the local community!

Here is a list, I created, of some small business and areas to shop at this holiday season. If you have more ideas you want to share or own a small business yourself, please share!

 

1. East Village 

The East Village is a great place to start! Not only are there several shops such as Allspice for the culinary person, East Village Spa for the one that needs some pampering, Founds Things for the creative individual, but there are also great places to eat while you shop! 🙂 There is also Jett and Monkey’s Dog Shoppe for your furry critter on your list! Check out the link above for the complete list of shops, places to eats, and events that may be going on this holiday season.

2. Historic Valley Junction 

Valley Junction is full of antiques, gifts & collectibles, jewelry, services, and specialty stores. You can purchase a bottle of wine from Wines of Iowa, or some unique gifts at Wicker & the Works. Not only are there several shops to shop at, but there are also great places to wine and dine 🙂 Check out the link above for a complete list!

3. Shops at Roosevelt

The Shops on Roosevelt are located right off of 42nd Street near Roosevelt High School. There are several local, specialty shops including The Cheese Shop, the WORN Store, Bella Salon & Day Spa, The Juice Company, La Mie, and more. A lot of these places you can purchase gift certificates or make your own little gift basket using items from one or several of these stores!

4.  Etsy

Are you not really in the mood to get off your couch and get caught up in all of the people shopping? Well, you can still support small businesses online! I absolutely LOVE Etsy! I have purchased several things off their for my son, our wedding, and gifts for others. You can find about anything on Etsy and you can also have things customized if you like. Check out the link above and look around.

 

Where do YOU plan to shop local this holiday season?