• 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
    • Cannabis Education
    • 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
    • Port of Bellingham
  • Non-Profits
  • COVID-19 Local Information
  • Getaways
Search
Sunday, April 11, 2021
  • About
    • The WhatcomTalk Team
    • Company News
    • Contact
    • Terms of Use
  • Advertise
    • Advertise with us
    • Marketing Insights
    • Customer Testimonials
    • Company News
WhatcomTalk
  • The Arts
    • Artist Sarah Kindl Invites Viewers To Step Inside Her Experiences

      Rebel Artists of Whatcom Offer a Creative Bounty at Their Outdoor…

      Explore the Lives and Stories of Native Women Across North America…

      David Syre’s Art Can Now Be Enjoyed at Hotel Bellwether

      Teen Artists From Whatcom County Featured in Print and Online Publication

  • History
    • Examining Bellingham’s Hospital History

      Set in Stone: The Stories Behind Fairhaven’s Historic Markers

      Meet Former D.C. Insider and Bellingham Native Ted Van Dyk

      Luxurious Lodgings of Bellingham’s Past

      ‘The Grey Fox’ Bill Miner: The Last Train-Robbing Bandit of the…

  • Sports
    • All
    • High School
  • LocalTalk
    • Whatcom Council Of Governments Launches Countywide Transportation Survey

      Whatcom County Coronavirus Variant Update

      Comcast Announces Rural Broadband Expansion in Whatcom County

      Remodel Update: Road To Reopening Bellingham Public Library

      City Road and Projects Report for April 5–9

  • Activities
    • AllAdultBargain BellinghamFamilyIndoorOutdoorKids

      Experience International’s Bike Northwest Builds Community Connections Through Cycling Excursions

      A Winter Snowshoeing Adventure Through the North Cascades

      A Small Act of Courage: Cold Plunging To Enliven A Whatcom…

      Raven’s Roots Naturalist School Teaches Self-Reliance Skills for Growing a More…

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

      Better Breastfeeding: Bellingham Pediatric Dentistry and Lactation Consultants Work Together To…

      Rosewood Villa’s Compassionate, COVID-Safe Community

      Motocross Athletes Aim for the Sweet Life

      A1DesignBuild Explains Why You Should Care About ‘High-Performance’ Homes

  • Community Channels
    • Book Store
    • Cannabis Education
    • 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
    • Port of Bellingham
  • Non-Profits
    • The Community Vaccine Center: A Beacon of Health and Hope

      Mount Baker Foundation Puts Spotlight on Chronic Kidney Disease

      Aging Well Whatcom Is Working To Prepare a Better Future

      Unity Care NW’s Pharmacy Ensures That Patients Have Access To Crucial…

      1 in 3 at Risk for Kidney Disease: Are You the…

  • COVID-19 Local Information
  • Getaways
    • Coastal Cuisine Abounds at Local Restaurants in Grays Harbor

      Take a Day Trip To See Waterfalls on the Olympic Peninsula

      Take a Day Trip To Grays Harbor for Incredible Storm Watching

      Plan a Day Trip for a Guided Grays Harbor Ocean or…

      Plan a Day Trip To Grays Harbor To Fly a Kite

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.
Facebook224TweetPin

 

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
Facebook224TweetPin
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

Generations of Lummi and Nooksack Paddle Together for Culture and Life

Examining Bellingham’s Hospital History

The Community Vaccine Center: A Beacon of Health and Hope

Upcoming Events

Apr
13
Tue
all-day Socially Distant Trivia with Fri... @ Online through Zoom
Socially Distant Trivia with Fri... @ Online through Zoom
Apr 13 all-day
Socially Distant Trivia with Friends! @ Online through Zoom
Online trivia through Zoom, every Tuesday night, featuring a mix of gallery and breakout rooms allowing you to socialize while you play several rounds of trivia including a weekly suggested category. Zoom link available each[...]
12:00 pm Designing a Life You Love Inform... @ Online via Zoom
Designing a Life You Love Inform... @ Online via Zoom
Apr 13 @ 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
Designing a Life You Love Information Session @ Online via Zoom
Want to feel fulfilled in your life in a way that lasts? Join Molly Ware, instructor of Designing a Life You Love, in this one-hour free session. Together, we will explore: What gets in the[...]
4:00 pm Waste & Whatnot, The Future of W... @ Online Zoom Event
Waste & Whatnot, The Future of W... @ Online Zoom Event
Apr 13 @ 4:00 pm – 5:30 pm
Waste & Whatnot, The Future of Wasted Food @ Online Zoom Event
The Future of Wasted Food. Food waste is contributing to climate change and food insecurity, and the pandemic amplified these problems. We want to reimagine the food chain; what if we can change the way[...]
Apr
14
Wed
all-day David Syre’s Art Can Now be Enjo... @ Hotel Bellwether
David Syre’s Art Can Now be Enjo... @ Hotel Bellwether
Apr 14 all-day
David Syre's Art Can Now be Enjoyed at Hotel Bellwether @ Hotel Bellwether
David Syre, inspired by his travels, subconscious mind, and nature, brings his imagination to life through his large-scale acrylic paintings, sculptures, and art installations. His bold lines and bright colors can now be seen hanging[...]
all-day test @ test
test @ test
Apr 14 all-day
test
View Calendar

Local Community Sponsors

Business

Better Breastfeeding: Bellingham Pediatric Dentistry and Lactation Consultants Work Together To...

Breastfeeding can be an important part of a baby’s development, as well as a powerful bonding experience for the breastfeeding parent...

Rosewood Villa’s Compassionate, COVID-Safe Community

Motocross Athletes Aim for the Sweet Life

A1DesignBuild Explains Why You Should Care About ‘High-Performance’ Homes

Calypso Kitchen’s Sarah Chan Is Always Cooking up a New Adventure

Trending Now

How to Get Rid of the Smell From Smoking Cannabis

Piece of Mind Cannabis Rolls Out Big Improvements for the 4/20...

Luxurious Lodgings of Bellingham’s Past

Editor Picks

Am I Eligible for a Vaccine? Where Can I Get One?...

The Community Vaccine Center: A Beacon of Health and Hope

Mount Baker Foundation Puts Spotlight on Chronic Kidney Disease

Recent Posts

  • Piece of Mind Cannabis Rolls Out Big Improvements for the 4/20 Holiday
  • Whatcom Council Of Governments Launches Countywide Transportation Survey
  • Whatcom County Coronavirus Variant Update
  • Am I Eligible for a Vaccine? Where Can I Get One? Whatcom County Health Department Answers Your Questions
  • Comcast Announces Rural Broadband Expansion in Whatcom County
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.