Sharing is caring!
Small Business Saturday in Des Moines 2022
Small Business Saturday is November 26. I love that this day has become so well-known and supported. American Express designated that the first Saturday, after Thanksgiving, would be Small Business Saturday a few years ago. They did this as the United States was experiencing a recession. The goal of Small Business Saturday is to shop local and support small businesses.
One thing to remember when you are shopping local, you may be paying a bit more, but you are supporting your community. You also find a lot more unique and creativity compared to big boxed stores.
I will admit that I tend to fall for the great deals that big brand names offer, instead of buying locally. This holiday season I am setting a goal for myself. I will purchase at least one to two items locally. Everyone else should set themselves a goal, to help support small businesses and the local community.
Here is a list of some small business and areas to shop at this holiday season.
DOWNTOWN AMES
Visit Downtown Ames and Campustown to support your local small businesses. Share joy, shop small, and shop all season long at your local small businesses.
HISTORIC EAST VILLAGE
The East Village is a great place to start. Not only are there several shops such as Allspice for the culinary person, antiques, a place to pamper yourself at Salon Spa W, Raygun for some fun t-shirts, but there are also great places to eat while you shop. There is also Jett and Monkey’s Dog Shoppe for your furry critter on your list. Take a look at the complete list of shops, places to eat, and events that may be going on this holiday season.
BONUS! Mark your calendars for the Holiday Promenade that kicks-off Friday, November 18 and continues every Friday through December 16.
HISTORIC VALLEY JUNCTION
Valley Junction is full of antiques, gifts & collectibles, jewelry, services, and specialty stores. You can purchase a bottle of wine from Wines of Iowa, or some unique gifts at Hinge. Not only are there several shops to shop at, but there are also great places to wine and dine. This is a great place to support local all year round.
BONUS! Mark your calendars for Jingle in the Junction that kicks-off Thursday, November 17 and continues every Thursday through December 15. Shop under the glow of over 125,000 holiday lights.
INDIANOLA DOWNTOWN
Shop small-town Indianola. The Indianola square offers some great shops and restaurants.
INGERSOLL
The Ingersoll area is also a wonderful place to shop. They have some awesome restaurants and bakeries, such as Creme Cupcake, which make it even better. Make a stop at Preservation or get lost in Enchanted Mystical Boutique with fun gifts. You can spend the day walking up and down Ingersoll Avenue in Des Moines shopping and supporting local.
SHOPS AT ROOSEVELT
The Shops on Roosevelt are located right off of 42nd Street near Roosevelt High School. There are several local, specialty shops including The Cheese Shop, the WORN Store, The Parlor DSM, The Juice Company, La Mie, and more. A lot of these places you can purchase gift certificates or make your own little gift basket using items from one or several of these stores. Don’t forget to catch a show at the Des Moines Playhouse or let your littles wiggle and play at JouJou Des Moines.
SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY AT DOE A DEER
Join Doe a Deer on November 26 from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. for a day of celebrating the Shop Small movement. They will have super fun treats, Cloth & Kin will be there with her adorable handmade baby clothing and amazing deals in store.
UPTOWN ANKENY
Uptown Ankeny has been working hard to create fun events and entertainment and revitalize this fun, unique area of town. There is some fun, local shops you should check out including Tweedle Dee’s, Strawberry Patch, Carmen’s Flowers, and more. Make sure to grab a pizza at the Leaning Tower of Pizza and cold brew from local brewery FireTrucker Brewery while you are there.
BONUS! Mark your calendars for Festive Fridays that kick off Friday, November 4, and various Fridays throughout the season. Enjoy an evening shopping experience surrounded by Uptown Ankeny’s holiday charm and over 40 animated Winter Wonderlights displays
ETSY
Are you not really in the mood to get off your couch and get caught up in all of the people shopping? You can still support small businesses online. I love Etsy. I have purchased several things off Etsy as gifts and for myself. You can find about anything on Etsy and you can also have things customized if you like. Check out the link above and look around.
Why is it important to buy local? When you buy local you are doing for important things:
- Supporting entrepreneurship
- Building a strong community
- Helping create local jobs in the community
- Keeping money in the local economy
- Spend your Black Friday cuddled up at home, digesting that wonderful turkey feast and go out to shop Saturday & Sunday to help your local community.
