‘Small Business Saturday’ invites shoppers to support small businesses
Customers rounding out their holiday shopping are gearing up for “Small Business Saturday,” a day dedicated to supporting small businesses.
After Thanksgiving, it’s time for Black Friday and Small Business Saturday, marking the official start of holiday shopping.
While many people may be focused on hitting the Rhode Island malls on Black Friday, the state also has plenty of areas with independent businesses perfect for shopping on Small Business Saturday, an annual event on the Saturday after Thanksgiving that encourages the public to do their holiday shopping at small, locally-owned businesses.
Here are five of the best areas to shop at this Small Business Saturday.
Providence
Of course, downtown Providence is full of shops and restaurants, making it a great destination for a day of holiday shopping. Head to Thayer Street for a lineup of clothing and gift stores, or hop over to Westminster and Hope streets for unique boutiques, craft stores and wellness shops.
Bristol
Down by Bristol’s waterfront, Hope Street is a hub for green spaces, cultural institutions and plenty of small businesses. Bookstores, bakeries, art galleries and antique stores are just some of the options for holiday shoppers to peruse.
East Greenwich
Shoppers will feel transported back in time on East Greenwich’s Main Street, filled with period storefronts and museums about Rhode Island’s military and local history. Shops include candy stores, designer clothing boutiques, vintage jewelers and elegant home accessory stores.
On Small Business Saturday this year, the East Greenwich Chamber of Commerce is hosting a giveaway, where shoppers who spend $10 at five or more participating businesses will be entered to win a gift basket or gift cards.
Newport
Head down to Newport by the water, where the historic Thames Street is filled with colorful local boutiques, small art galleries, seafood restaurants, specialty cafes and unique shops, including an entire Christmas-themed store. The main street is adjacent to Bowen’s Wharf and Bannister’s Wharf, which are filled with shops and restaurants themselves. Spring Street and Bellevue Avenue also offer plenty of shopping. Additionally, the area is only a short distance away from the Newport mansions, where guests can shop from historic merchandise related to the Gilded Age estates.
Westerly
Westerly’s downtown area, spread across Broad Street, High Street and Bay Street, is perfect for lovers of both art and shopping. Shop skincare, clothing, chocolates, jewelry, books and more as you walk along historic homes and theaters. You may even see a celebrity – Watch Hill homeowner Taylor Swift has been known to shop downtown.
