SJ Today Gearing Up for Black Friday, Small Business Saturday

The vast majority of small business enterprises in America rely heavily on the holiday season each year for a major part of their income and in light of the complete shutdown for several months due to the pandemic, this particular holiday season may be more important than ever before.

Fortunately, for those keeping things close to home this year, shoppers in search of holiday offerings will have great opportunities in Michigan’s Great Southwest, especially on Black Friday, November 27th and Small Business Saturday, November 28th, with some merchants beginning their holiday sales deals on Black Friday.

St. Joseph Today Executive Director Amy Zapal says, “You will easily find gifts for everyone on your holiday shopping list from our merchants, restaurants and entertainment venues,” and adds, “From the latest fashions to locally made wines and candies, to gourmet foods, to award-winning toys and games to museum memberships to fresh-baked pet biscuits, you won’t be disappointed with all of your choices.”

Zapal says another appreciated present is a St. Joseph Today gift certificate, redeemable at participating member stores, restaurants and hotels. They can be purchased at the Welcome Center located at 301 State Street and are good at over 80 different locations.

The team at Glik’s in St. Joseph says, “Shopping small is a big deal. You support families, build relationships, grow the local economy and find personalized products and services special to your community. Everyone benefits.”

According to the Civic Economic Study in Grand Rapids, when you spend $100 at a local business, approximately $68 stays in the local community. Melanie Owen and Lauren Kniebes, co-owners of Lazy Ballerina Winery, say shopping small is important to them because, “these businesses are how many people, including us, make a living. We want to support our neighbors and we enjoy knowing who we are supporting.”

Participants include:

221 Main Restaurant & Cocktail House
Baroda Founders Winery
Caffe Tosi
Chartreuse Art Co-op
DK Boutique
Elephants Breath Antiques
Forever Clean Soap Works
G&M Variety
Gallery on the Alley
Grins of St. Joseph
HarborTown Interiors
Lazy Ballerina Winery
Oh My Darlings
Olive Cart
Perennial Accents
ReVive Spa
Silver Harbor Brewing
State Street Stuff
The Buck Burgers & Brew
The Toy Company
Third Coast Surf Shop
Waterfront Framing & Design
White Pine Winery
Wolf’s Marine and many more

Those in search of the perfect gift will appreciate unique selections, special prices and a festive shopping atmosphere this holiday season. Shoppers and diners alike will enjoy holiday music playing throughout downtown St. Joseph until December 25th.

Additionally, new winter lights have been added throughout downtown St. Joseph. Zapal says, “St. Joseph Today, Southwestern Michigan Tourist Council, City of St. Joseph, Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber and Cornerstone Alliance have partnered together this winter season to create a magical experience that will bring more consumers and business to downtown St. Joseph.”

The new winter lights have been placed downtown along State St. (from Elm St. to Ship St.) as well as Broad St. and Ship St. (Lake Blvd. to Main St.) and Pleasant St. (Lake Blvd. to Court St.) and will remain up through February in conjunction with Light up the Bluff.

St. Joe Today offers special thanks to Edward J. Todd for helping to bring that winter project to the downtown, saying, “Edward J. Todd is devoted to supporting the education of our local youth as well as supporting the growth of local businesses through community events.”

For a list of shops, and Small Business Saturday specials, visit: http://stjoetoday.com/shopsmall. Holt Bosse is the St. Joe Today sponsor of the local Small Business Saturday event.

Additionally, you are encouraged to catch these upcoming fall and winter events: