Big box stores and online retailers might have something of a stranglehold on the marketplace on Black Friday and Cyber Monday, but this weekend, local businesses are showing that they too can offer customers something special, right here in shoppers’ own backyards.
That’s because, Saturday marks Small Business Saturday, a celebration of local shops full of special deals, specials and other offerings, intended to help support local business owners.
In Haddonfield, New Jersey, residents are invited to “Shop Small, Brunch Big,” on Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025 and Sunday, Nov. 30, 2025, as shops throughout the community’s downtown have opened early to offer breakfast bites along with early-bird deals.
“Whether you’re waiting for a table or walking off your waffles, our downtown is packed with independently owned shops ready to help you find the perfect gift, or treat yourself,” said Michael Marciante, the executive director of the Partnership for Haddonfield in a statement on the weekend. “Haddonfield has more than four dozen women-owned business, and every dollar spent locally makes a big difference.”
In a statement, organizers of the day said that, studies have shown that, for every $100 spent at local businesses, $70 stays in the community to help support local workers, services and growth.
For, Julie Beddingfield, owner of Inkwood Books in Haddonfield, the day allows residents to find the same items that might be available online, but with a local touch of community.
“It’s huge. It’s a kickoff to the whole season really. Like, we really count on it,” she said. “You can buy anything we sell, pretty much, online. That’s not what they are here for. They are here for a sense of place. They are here to touch and pick things up and they are here for us.”
And, Haddonfield isn’t along in it’s celebration.
In Chestnut Hill, businesses will be celebrating Small Business Saturday with special deals and offerings intended to get shoppers to “keep it on the hill” as they get their holiday shopping together.
Kennett Square, too, will see businesses offering special deals on Saturday.
In Center City Philadelphia, 76ers fans are invited to join team mascot, Franklin and Squad 76 as they will be giving the first 76 fans at the French Toast Bites booth, at Christmas Village at LOVE Park, a free cup of French Toast Bites.
The event will be held from noon to 1 p.m.
And, in Manayunk, shoppers will be able to grab a Manayunk Shop Small Passport, at the Manayunk Welcome Center, that will reward them with special surprises for shopping local at over 50 small businesses throughout the community.
Then, for those out shopping later in the day, from 5 to 8 p.m., at Stratus Rooftop Lounge, a venue on the 11th floor of the Kimpton Hotel Monaco in Philadelphia’s Old City neighborhood, there will be a pop-up featuring independent artisans and cocktails.
But, this is just a small sampling as there are Small Business Saturday happenings going on all across the area.
