Small Business Saturday is an initiative that aims to drive sales to independent stores during the holiday season, which is often dominated by global retailers.
BOISE, Idaho — This story originally appeared in the Idaho Press.
Many people complain that major retailers have stepped back from traditional Black Friday sales, thanks to increasing costs and the drastic rise of online shopping. But there’s still plenty of opportunities to shop small and support the “mom and pop” stores that give Boise its character.
Small Business Saturday is on Nov. 29 and it’s a chance to give back to the local owners who support the community year round. Small Business Saturday is an initiative that aims to drive sales to independent stores during the holiday season, which is often dominated by global retailers.
Roughly 96% of downtown Boise businesses are locally owned, something many don’t realize, according to Abbie Berg — community engagement manager for the Downtown Boise Association.
“It’s a tough time to be a small business owner, but our local businesses work hard for us all year long. The holiday season is a great time to show them extra love and support,” Berg said.
According to Berg, Boise holds the largest concentration of independent businesses in Idaho, and they are all showing out for Small Business Saturday.
“We’ve found that Boiseans love shopping locally because independent shops help share the unique culture of our city. Plus, for every $100 spent at a local business, $65 goes directly back into the local economy — that definitely doesn’t happen when you shop through a big global retailer,” Berg said.
Small Business Saturday deals are being added daily, so head to downtownboise.org for a full rundown of participating shops, sales and events.
Here are some of the top deals happening downtown for Small Business Saturday:
Art Source Gallery, 1516 W. Grove St.
Art Source Gallery is hosting a studio sale, with all artists clearing out their studios and offering pieces at bargain prices — nothing over $50. It’s a rare opportunity to snag some locally made, original art at a great value.
BANANA ink, 214 N. 9th St.
BANANA ink is bringing back its annual “pop for a discount” balloon event. Stop in and pop a balloon to receive 10-30% off. The shop is rolling out new colors and holiday styles, including Idaho-themed ugly Christmas sweaters. Free cookies and coffee will also be available.
The Flicks, 646 Fulton St.
Awards season is right around the corner, and winter is the perfect time to catch up. The Flicks is offering its Get a Flicks punch card for $75 — good for nine admissions.
The Record Exchange, 1105 W. Idaho St.
The Record Exchange is rolling out 175 exclusive vinyl and CD releases featuring everything from classics like “Take on Me” by A-Ha to newer hits like “The Subway” by Chappell Roan. Shoppers can also take 30% off garden accessories, soaps, lotions and select apparel.
After your purchase, take your receipt over to Boise Brewing and enjoy a buy-one-get-one free pint.
Boise Farmers Market, 1500 Shoreline Drive
Head to the farmers market and purchase from 10 local vendors to receive a free tote bag and be entered to win $100 in groceries and market merchandise.
House of Wine, 1008 W. Main St.
Take the edge off holiday shopping with a complimentary splash of sparkling wine just for walking through the door. For $10, you can settle in with a full glass and extend the moment of calm.
City Peanut Shop, 803 W. Bannock St.
In-store, all alcohol is 15% off, and when you purchase any apparel or drinkware, you’ll receive a free bag of nuts. Online purchases can receive a buy-one-get-one free bag of brittle.
Hemlock, 500 S. Capitol Blvd.
Get a taste of Hemlock without the full price tag. Their Hemlock Happy Meal features “Boise’s Best Burger,” fries and a beer for $20.
Mad Swede Downtown Brew Hall, 816 W. Bannock St.
Mad Swede Downtown Brew Hall is closing on Jan. 1, making this your last chance to take advantage of 40% off all Mad Swede glassware and canned beer. Make it a night out and stick around for a local legend comedy special that starts at 7 p.m.
McU Sports, 822 W. Jefferson St.
Gear up for winter with BOGO deals on select helmets and goggles. All winter apparel and outerwear is 20% off, with an extra 10% off sale items. Plus, last year’s skis and snowboards are marked down 40–50%.
Mixed Greens, 213 N. 9th St.
In addition to free gift wrapping, coffee and treats and a free gift with every purchase, Mixed Greens will be discounting their most expensive items to 30% off.
Modern Hotel and Bar, 1314 W. Grove St.
Book a stay between Thanksgiving and March to take advantage of their “Thank You Rate,” featuring 20% off your room and 15% off at the bar. The special rate is only available for bookings made before Dec. 8. Until Dec. 31, grab a $50 gift card to the restaurant and bar for $40.
Molly’s Healthy Pet Food Market, 817 W. Idaho St.
Celebrate the occasion by spoiling your pets with 10% off all pet food and 20% off everything else in the store — treats, toys, gear, supplements and holiday goodies. Plus, the first 10 customers will receive a free dog wash.
Negranti Creamery, 777 W. Main St.
Negranti Creamery is offering four pints for $35, buy $25 in gift cards and get $5 in Cone Cash, buy-one-get-one coffee drinks and purchase six pints for a free tote bag.
Outdoor Exchange, 1405 W. Grove St.
Bundle up with 30-70% off retail on quality brands you love, plus find fleece jackets under $25, gear and gifts for under $50 and get your skis tuned for $20.
Paddles up Poke, 237 N. 9th St.
Gift cards ranging from $50 to $500 are 20–25% off for Small Business Saturday.
Portsches Jewelry Boutique, 816 W. Idaho St.
For one day only, select fine jewelry will be 50% off.
Salt by Pepper, 1109 W. Main St.
Enjoy up to 50% off select clothing items and 75% off sale items.
Other participating Boise businesses on Small Business Saturday are 8 Horses Lounge, Alavita, Bodega Boise, Fancy Pants, Fluff Hardware, Fork Restaurant, JD’s Bodega, Idaho Mountain Touring, Jitters by Jayne, Liquid Lounge, R. Grey Gallery, Barbarian Downtown Beer Bar, Boise Art Glass, Compass Goods, Cotopaxi, Flying M Coffeehouse, Meriwether Cider House, Rediscovered Books, SHIFT Boutique, Ruby Lou CLothing Boutique, Solid Bar and Grill, Title Nine, Toy POP!, Voxn Clothing, Ward Hooper Gallery and Vintage Swank, Wok N’ Roll, Gallery 601 on The Grove, Idaho Candy Company, Re-POP Gifts, Keystone station, Idaho Livin, and Piece Unique Clothing Co. and Shoez.
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