‘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.
Milwaukee-area businesses are organizing events, incentives and business specials to encourage people to support locally owned businesses Nov. 29 for Small Business Saturday.
From Santa appearances to craft fairs and markets, here are some ways to enjoy Small Business Saturday this year.
Small Business Saturday events in the Historic Third Ward
Several businesses in the Historic Third Ward in downtown Milwaukee will offer special promotions for Small Business Saturday.
Some of the participating businesses and deals include:
- barre3: 30% off 5- and 10-class package; 30% off all in-studio retail.
- Benson’s Restaurant Group (Blue Bat Kitchen, The Edison, Onesto, Smoke Shack): For every $100 in gift cards purchased, get an extra $20 gift card ($20 bonus card valid 1/1/2026-03/31/2026, dine-in only).
- Milwaukee Public Market: The Brew City Trunk Sale on the upper level of the Milwaukee Public Market will feature deals on Milwaukee merchandise from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Salty Paws: Spend $30, get $5 off. In addition to a grazing table of treat samples.
- The District Row: Receive a free gift with purchase (3-piece silk pajama set) while supplies last.
- The Explorium Brewpub: Buy a $50 gift card, get an additional $10 gift card; Buy a $100 gift card, get an additional $20 gift card (gift cards are redeemable at all Explorium Hospitality Group restaurants).
The Historic Third Ward’s Small Business Saturday event will run from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Nov. 29. A full list of participating shops can be found here.
Small Business Saturday events in South Milwaukee
Over 20 businesses in downtown South Milwaukee are participating in the city’s Shop Small event, offering holiday shopping deals, snacks, drinks and raffle items.
Each business will offer their own take on the event theme “Ghosts of Past, Present, Future.” Shoppers can pick up a “Time Travel Itinerary” at any of the participating business and collect a stamp at each location they visit. Those who make five or more stops can deposit the itinerary into the “portal” located in the shop whose raffle item they want to win.
The event will run from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Nov. 29.
Small Business Saturday events in West Allis
In addition of a variety of deals and special promotions at participating West Allis small businesses, the city will hold a raffle for visitors who spend more than $10 at a non-franchise West Allis business between Nov. 1 and 29. To enter, bring your receipts to the K&K Barista, 1417 S. 70th St., on Nov. 29 between 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. to redeem them for raffle tickets.
Not in town for Thanksgiving? Not a problem. You can stop by Cream City Clay, 7101 W. Greenfield Ave., on Monday, Nov. 23 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. to turn in your receipts early. In 2024, shoppers who turned in receipts totaled over $42,000 spent locally, according to West Allis Downtown.
Small business Saturday events in Wauwatosa
Local shops and businesses in Wauwatosa will offer special promotions all day on Nov. 29.
Some of the participating businesses and deals include:
- Tabal Chocolate: Get $2 off any 3 chocolate bars.
- Roots Salon: 20% off all hydration products.
- The Flower Lady: Prize raffles, free chocolate bars for customers while supplies last, and Customer Appreciation cards — make any purchase of $50 or more and receive a $5 gift card to use on future purchases.
- Outpost: Enjoy appetizer and beverage samples all day, plus stop in between 11-2 p.m. to receive a cloth gift bag, big enough to fit four bottles of wine at the co-op — while saving 10% on all four.
A full list can be found on the village website and will be updated with more businesses and deals leading up to the event.
Small Business Saturday events in Kenosha
From home decor, clothes and pet products to local book shops, coffee houses and handmade goods, Kenosha’s small business scene has it all. On Nov. 26, visitors can take advantage of exclusive promotions and discounts at participating businesses, including the new Kenosha Public Market.
A full list of participating businesses can be found on Visit Kenosha’s Shop Small webpage. Addtionally, there will be a chance to win prizes for supporting their local community on their social media channels throughout November.
Small Business Saturday events in Menomonee Falls
Downtown businesses and Centennial Plaza in Menomonee Falls are coming together to highlight locally owned shops and restaurants as part of the village’s “Christmas in the Falls” event.
In addition to Shop Small deals, the event will have a variety of holiday-themed activities. Kids and adults alike can meet Santa, take a wagon ride around the historic district and enjoy performances from Christmas carolers, Accompany of Kids and St. Paul’s UCC handbell choir.
The event will take place from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Nov. 26, and will conclude with a tree lighting ceremony in at 6 p.m. at Centennial Plaza, located at the Northeast corner of Appleton Avenue and Main Street.
Anna Kleiber can be reached at akleiber@gannett.com.
