• The Arts
  • History
  • Sports
    • All
    • High School
  • LocalTalk
  • Activities
    • Adult
    • Bargain Bellingham
    • Family
    • Indoor
    • Outdoor
    • Kids
  • Calendar
    • Calendar
    • Add An Event
    • Event Articles
  • Featured Business
    • Around the House
    • Restaurants and Pubs
    • Retail Shops
    • Services
    • Women in Business
  • Community Channels
    • Book Store
    • Chamber of Commerce
      • Bellingham Regional Chamber of Commerce
      • Ferndale Chamber of Commerce
    • Downtown Organizations
      • Downtown Bellingham Partnership
      • Lynden Washington Downtown Business Association
    • Food and Farming
    • Health Care
    • Heating and Air Conditioning
    • Hotel and Lodging
    • Media Partners
      • NorthAmericaTalk
    • Whatcom County Real Estate
  • Nonprofits
  • Travel
    • Day Trips
    • Overnight Trips
Search
Thursday, September 21, 2023
  • About
    • The WhatcomTalk Team
    • Company News
    • Contact
    • Terms of Use
  • Advertise
    • Advertise with us
    • Marketing Insights
    • Customer Testimonials
    • Company News
WhatcomTalk
  • The Arts
    • Olympia Comedian Sam Miller Brings Jokes, Inspiration to Fairhaven on September…

      Bellingham’s Pace Trumpet Brings Music to Prisoners at Washington State Penitentiary

      The Many Talents of Bellingham’s Brady McAtee

      The Port of Bellingham Presents a Promenade of Public Art

      Talking To Crows: Using Film To Find The Universal Truths In…

  • History
    • Peek Inside the Jansen Art Center to Unearth Historic Stories and…

      Polar Explorer Roald Amundsen’s Early-20th Century Visits to Bellingham

      The Long, Storied History of the Northwest Washington Fair

      The History of Whatcom County’s Worst Mining Disaster

      Pedagogy on the Peaks: History of Western Washington University at Mount…

  • Sports
    • All
    • High School
  • LocalTalk
    • Transit for the Trees: WTA to Plant One Tree for Every…

      PSE Puget Sound Energy

      PSE and PSE Foundation Take Action During Hunger Action Month

      PeaceHealth Home Health of Whatcom County Receives Home Health Heart Failure Certification

      PSE Puget Sound Energy

      PSE Foundation Awards $600,000 To Help Build Capacity for Nonprofits

      It’s Time for ‘The Great Peoples Bank Pig Search’

  • Activities
    • AllAdultBargain BellinghamFamilyIndoorOutdoorKids

      Explore the Natural and Recreational Wonders of Whatcom Falls Park

      Silver Lake Park: A Short Drive to a Different World

      Whatcom Disc Golf Club Makes New ‘Bellis Fairways’ Course a Reality

      Whatcom County Beaches Are Begging To Be Combed

  • Calendar
    • Calendar
    • Add An Event
    • Event Articles
  • Featured Business
    • AllAround the HouseRestaurants and PubsRetail ShopsServicesWomen in Business

      Tony Brent Named Sous Chef at Keenan’s at the Pier

      Free Tune-Ups With a Stronger-Than-Ever Barron Service Team

      CorePhysio ‘Rooted to Rise’ Classes Provide Inspiring Fitness at an Affordable…

      Empowered by Puget Sound Energy, Opportunity Council’s EV Bus Drives Positive…

  • Community Channels
    • Book Store
    • Chamber of Commerce
      • Bellingham Regional Chamber of Commerce
      • Ferndale Chamber of Commerce
    • Downtown Organizations
      • Downtown Bellingham Partnership
      • Lynden Washington Downtown Business Association
    • Food and Farming
    • Health Care
    • Heating and Air Conditioning
    • Hotel and Lodging
    • Media Partners
      • NorthAmericaTalk
    • Whatcom County Real Estate
  • Nonprofits
    • HomesNOW! Not Later: Bellingham’s Tiny Home Villages Work to End Homelessness

      Vocational Services at Cascade Connections

      Cascade Connections Advocates for ‘Nothing About Us Without Us’ in the…

      Puget Sound Energy Chooses Vamos Outdoors as 2023 ‘Powerful Partner’

      Whatcom Dream, With Support From Bank of the Pacific, Invites You…

  • Travel
    • Day Trips
    • Overnight Trips
Home Everyday Skip Black Friday and #ShopSmall Instead During Small Business Saturday

Skip Black Friday and #ShopSmall Instead During Small Business Saturday

By
Lorraine Wilde
Modsocks creator and businessowner, Urania Shaklee, hopes Shop Small Saturday is an opportunity for people to discover the many small, local businesses that give Bellingham its unique personality. Photo courtesy: ModSocks.

Share via:

0 Shares
  • More

 

By Lorraine Wilde

garys mens womens wearI’ve never been much for shopping, especially during the holiday season. A couple of times I’ve completed my holiday buying before Thanksgiving simply to avoid the crowds and vulture energy inherent of Black Friday. This year REI has encouraged its customers to #OptOutside by burning off their post-feast calories in the beautiful outdoors rather than standing in line at the cash register. But that doesn’t take care of those special gifts you really want to share with close friends and family this time of year.

Cyber Monday has become an alternative option, but my conscience wants to avoid mass produced products and shipping across the country. Thankfully, in 2010 American Express launched Small Business Saturday — which takes place the Saturday after Thanksgiving — in support of small, local businesses. Since then, small businesses across the country have embraced the day as #ShopSmall Saturday. This year, Small Business Saturday takes place on November 28. The marketing approach encourages shoppers to keep their hard-earned dollars within their local, small business community. Because many of these shops offer locally made, fair trade, culturally diverse, or organic products, you can find the perfect gift with a clean conscience.

downtown
Downtown Bellingham businesses will be busy the Saturday after Thanksgiving, November 28, as community members come out to #ShopSmall during Small Business Saturday.

Like Black Friday and Cyber Monday, many small businesses host one-day and flash sales, and this year Whatcom County is no exception. “The Downtown Bellingham Partnership is helping many small businesses work together to make Shop Small Saturday a festive, cozy, intimate shopping experience that includes discounts and affordable options,” explains Downtown Bellingham Partnership Events Manager, Lindsey Payne. “Participating businesses will be marked by a red bow on the door,” she adds. “We’re hoping to have a roaming Santa and carolers to make the day memorable.”

Many businesses in Fairhaven will also host Shop Small Saturday events as part of the Fairhaven Holiday Festival and Indies First Day, which focuses on supporting independent bookstores, authors and publishers. “Horse-drawn carriage rides, pictures with Santa, holiday lights and extended shopping hours make shopping locally appealing and rewarding,” notes Ann Marie Cooper, local ceramic artist of Good Earth Pottery and Kulshan Clayworks.

Below is just a taste of what Whatcom County businesses have planned in order to help you comfortably find the perfect gifts for your loved ones this holiday season.

Clothing and Jewelry Galore

Downtown Emporium’s Betty Lou Theiler has just returned from a trip to Southeast Asia with new silver jewelry that will be included in the emporium’s sale, offering 20 percent off all new jewelry and all clothing apparel. Theiler’s travels are chronicled in the Facebook group: Where in the World is Betty Lou.

Garys’ Men and Womens Wear has invited Carly James from Bison Book Binding to showcase a collection of holiday cards along with stationery, note pads and other goodies from James’ newly-opened store on Grand Avenue. “Honestly, we feel Shop Small Saturday is the perfect day to showcase and support other businesses in the community that we love,” explains Garys’ Co-owner, Barb Lupo.

One of ModSock's newest and more popular designs is based on Shaklee's favorite flower, the giant red poppy. Photo courtesy: ModSocks.
One of ModSock’s newest and more popular designs is based on Shaklee’s favorite flower, the giant red poppy. Photo courtesy: ModSocks.

ModSock on Cornwall Avenue is the creation of owner and businesswoman Urania Shaklee, who moved to Bellingham in 2011 from Ellicotville, New York. “Small businesses are vital to the identity of a community,” she says. “We love that Bellingham thinks outside the ‘big box’.”

Shaklee’s adorable store stocks over 1,000 different sock styles in a variety of bold colors, textures and patterns. Shaklee will be offering a Shop Small Saturday sale on her own whimsical ModSock brand, launched in 2013, with more than 30 different styles.

“Because Small Business Saturday is all about supporting the businesses that help make our community unique, we think it is appropriate to make our little locally-designed sock brand part of the celebration,” Shaklee explains. For every $25 spent in-store on Shop Small Saturday, customers may choose a free pair from ModSock’s original line. There are styles for both men and women, with themes like hummingbirds, narwhals, owls, jackalopes, hedgehogs and red pandas. There’s even a Christmas sock featuring cats wearing Santa hats and reindeer antlers.

Shaklee is honored that Whatcom County customers have embraced her designs to express their own sense of style. “It’s especially exciting to see ModSocks in the wild!” Shaklee beams.

Kids Northwest, a children’s clothing store focused on quality apparel and footwear designed to last, wants to make the day a positive, enjoyable experience for all its customers. “We’ll offer tasty holiday treats, in-store specials, a unique selection of merchandise, and complimentary gift wrapping to make life easier,” notes Owner, Janet Hodgin.

Off the Beaten Path

Many small businesses have to work hard just to be seen. Don’t miss these shops and events that are just a block or two off the main thoroughfares.

The Third Annual Art on Tap event is a coordinated effort by businesses that face the South Bay Trail, located in the Alley District on the northwest side of State Street between Altility Art Studio and Positive Negative Photography Center. The event will offer handmade goods and gifts, food, drinks, art and music performances for the whole family on both Saturday and Sunday.

Find unique home decor at Ormolulu on Bay Street.
Find unique home decor at Ormolulu on Bay Street.

Ormolulu VintageWorks opened this year in the former Blue Horse Gallery on Bay Street. Long-term construction on the Bay Street bridge made it tricky to find this adorably eclectic shop full of unique home décor perfect for the creative home owner.

Businesses at the edge of major shopping areas are often the best ones to visit. They are less crowded, parking is easier, and retailers are welcoming. The team at Texture — Clothing with a Conscience is eager for customers to find their business on State Street, located just two blocks down from Holly. This down-to-earth boutique offers stylish organic cotton and hemp fashions designed by Texture owner, Teresa Remple.

After Shop Small Saturday, Bellingham shoppers can also look forward to other Downtown Bellingham Partnership-supported events, including the Deck Downtown Holiday Festival on Friday, December 4. This day-long event will include a tree-lighting ceremony, a Holiday Pop-Up Market at Depot Market Square, complimentary cookies and hot cocoa by Woods Coffee, the biggest Art Walk of the year, and a holiday light show on the Flat Iron Building.

 

Print Friendly, PDF & Email

Share via:

0 Shares
  • More
Previous articleCare for Your Community and Yourself with Noble Chiropractic
Next articleFree Holiday Meals in Bellingham, Ferndale and Lynden
Lorraine Wilde

RELATED ARTICLESMORE FROM AUTHOR

Peek Inside the Jansen Art Center to Unearth Historic Stories and Surprises

HomesNOW! Not Later: Bellingham’s Tiny Home Villages Work to End Homelessness

Whatcom Mountain Bike Coalition Gets the County Outdoors and Riding

Upcoming Events

Sep
21
Thu
all-day Allied Arts September 2023 Galle... @ Allied Arts Gallery
Allied Arts September 2023 Galle... @ Allied Arts Gallery
Sep 21 all-day
Allied Arts September 2023 Gallery Show: Whatcom Artist Studio Tour Preview @ Allied Arts Gallery
Whatcom Artist Studio Tour Preview September 1-30, 2023 Gallery Hours: Tuesday – Saturday, 11am – 4pm Opening Reception: Friday, September 1st, 6pm – 9pm 1418 Cornwall Ave, Bellingham, WA 98225 Allied Arts of Whatcom County[...]
6:00 pm Uncorked Dinner Series: Orion Swift @ Semiahmoo Resort
Uncorked Dinner Series: Orion Swift @ Semiahmoo Resort
Sep 21 @ 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Part of the Uncorked Dinner Series collection: Savor award-winning wines masterfully paired with seasonally inspired menus at our Winemaker Dinners.
7:00 pm Thursdays with Scarecrow – Umoja... @ Scarecrow Video (virtual)
Thursdays with Scarecrow – Umoja... @ Scarecrow Video (virtual)
Sep 21 @ 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm
Thursdays with Scarecrow - Umoja (Unity): Sustaining African Cultural Arts with Afua Kouyaté @ Scarecrow Video (virtual)
A series of free online events exploring the intersection of art and culture. Presented in partnership with Humanities Washington. Explore the depth and significance of African culture, from its communal philosophies to its lively song[...]
7:00 pm Travelogue: “Introduction to Ind... @ Whatcom Museum - Old City Hall
Travelogue: “Introduction to Ind... @ Whatcom Museum - Old City Hall
Sep 21 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Travelogue: "Introduction to Independent (and Cheaper) Travel Within Japan," by Jeff Eastman @ Whatcom Museum - Old City Hall
Bellingham Parks & Recreation, in partnership with Whatcom Museum, brings you Travelogue: an armchair journey to spectacular and interesting places. Jeff Eastman spent 20+ years of his life living in Japan shares the ins and[...]
7:00 pm What Poop Can Tell Us: Using Sc... @ Bellingham Unitarian Fellowship
What Poop Can Tell Us: Using Sc... @ Bellingham Unitarian Fellowship
Sep 21 @ 7:00 pm
What Poop Can Tell Us:  Using Scent Detection Dogs to Study the Health of Southern Resident Killer Whales @ Bellingham Unitarian Fellowship
Dr. Giles first met the Southern Resident killer whales as a teenager on a trip to the San Juan Islands from California. Upon completing her undergraduate degree, she became a research assistant and began her[...]
View Calendar

Local Community Sponsors

Business

Tony Brent Named Sous Chef at Keenan’s at the Pier

Cuisine is truly an art, created from the hands of people who give their heart and soul to their work. At...

Free Tune-Ups With a Stronger-Than-Ever Barron Service Team

CorePhysio ‘Rooted to Rise’ Classes Provide Inspiring Fitness at an Affordable...

Empowered by Puget Sound Energy, Opportunity Council’s EV Bus Drives Positive...

Structures Brewing Pours Old Town Pints With Help from Bank of...

Trending Now

Transit for the Trees: WTA to Plant One Tree for Every...

HomesNOW! Not Later: Bellingham’s Tiny Home Villages Work to End Homelessness

Peek Inside the Jansen Art Center to Unearth Historic Stories and...

Editor Picks

Out and Proud in Bellingham: Celebrating Local LGBTQ+ History

Shoestring Circus Kicks off in Bellingham!

Whatcom County Beaches Are Begging To Be Combed

Recent Posts

  • Transit for the Trees: WTA to Plant One Tree for Every 100 Rides
  • Easy Sea Kayaking Adventure in Olympia’s Budd Bay: Swantown Marina to Squaxin Park
  • Peek Inside the Jansen Art Center to Unearth Historic Stories and Surprises
  • PSE and PSE Foundation Take Action During Hunger Action Month
  • HomesNOW! Not Later: Bellingham’s Tiny Home Villages Work to End Homelessness
ABOUT US
WhatcomTalk is a community social network delivering positive stories about what it’s like to live, work and play in Bellingham, Ferndale, Lynden, and the surrounding Whatcom County area. Advertise with WhatcomTalk. Brand your business and tell your story to your target market.
Contact us: info@whatcomtalk.com
FOLLOW US
  • About
    • The WhatcomTalk Team
    • Company News
    • Contact
    • Terms of Use
  • Advertise
    • Advertise with us
    • Marketing Insights
    • Customer Testimonials
    • Company News
© WhatcomTalk, Inc.
 

Loading Comments...
 

    Share via
    Facebook
    Twitter
    LinkedIn
    Mix
    Email
    Print
    Copy Link
    Powered by Social Snap
    Copy link
    CopyCopied
    Powered by Social Snap