INDIANAPOLIS – You’ve stuffed yourself with turkey, left the dinner table early to stand in line for Black Friday shopping at your favorite chain stores, and now you’re ready to show the small business community some love.
Small Business Saturday, founded in 2010 by American Express, highlights local shops, restaurants and service providers who keep the cash flow right in the community.
In Indiana, there are more than 500,000 small businesses, and in 2014, more than 16,000 jobs were created as a result, according to American Express.
No matter if you’re on the hunt for the perfect gift or wanting to catch a sale – Indianapolis and surrounding communities have a great deal of small businesses to support.
Here are some areas of town to explore:
BROAD RIPPLE
Mass Ave Toys | 1057 E. 54th Street | $
As it was voted “Indy’s Best Toy Store” several years in a row, Mass Ave Toys – now near Broad Ripple – is a child’s (and sometimes an adult’s) paradise. Mass Ave Toys sells toys from all around the world that are guaranteed to leave you trapped inside the store for hours.
The Cake Bake Shop | 6515 Carrolton Avenue | $
Once you’ve shopped till you’ve dropped – it will be time for a treat. Featured on the Food Network, The Cake Bake Shop will have all of the sweets you deserve after lugging around shopping bags all day. Experience high-end cakes, pies, salads and drinks.
CARMEL
Silver in the City | 111 W. Main Street | $$
Silver in the City: The store for “jewelry, housewares, and whatnot.” It’s the place you’ll find your next favorite wine glass (because it holds an entire bottle), a Bob’s Burgers coloring book, sticky notes with snarky messaging and everything else in between.
J.Benzal | 31. W. City Center Drive | $$$$
This upscale men’s clothing store sells more than just ties, suits and accessories – it sells a swank lifestyle. Men can have clothing custom fitted, add on accessories like pocket squares and cuff links while finishing off their look with J.Benzal’s signature cologne.
FOUNTAIN SQUARE
Onatah | 1339 Prospect Street | $$
Onatah takes gift giving to a new level with their artisan-made goods like soap on a rope, incenses, ceramics, candles and cleaning supplies, all in a space that gives off a bohemian feel.
Arthur’s Music Store | 931 Shelby Street | $$
The music fan in your life will forever cherish a gift from Arthur’s Music Store. You can take home a variety of instruments like guitars, drums, banjos and more. Maybe they would appreciate a music lesson more? They have classes too.
IRVINGTON
Black Sheep Gifts | 5626 E. Washington Street | $
Black Sheep is the ultimate place to find gifts for everyone in your family. The Irvington store offers everything from children’s toys to drinkware, humorous greeting cards and colorful socks.
James Dant | 5624 E. Washington Street | $$$
A college graduate with an award-winning business plan opened James Dant in 2014, and since the store has expanded. You’ll learn why when you first walk into the men’s clothing store. It’s stocked with high-quality clothing, accessories, home goods and personal items made all in the Midwest.
MASS AVE
Nurture | 433 Massachusetts Avenue | $
Give the special little one in your life some Indy love. You’ll spot Hoosier-inspired clothing just for kids at Nurture. The store also sells toys, gift sets, footwear, bags (the cutest you’ve ever seen) and more.
Global Gifts | 446 Massachusetts Avenue | $
Sure, it’s pretty awesome to find rare items you’ll never spot at a big chain store, but Global Gifts offers more than that. All products are fair trade, meaning your purchase supports fair wages, gender equality and safe working conditions. You’ll have the chance to take home handcrafted home décor, holiday items, food items and more from 40 countries.
OTHER SHOPS TO EXPLORE IN INDY
The Small Mall | 5060 E. 62nd Street | $$
That empty space in your living room will continue to look bare until you do something about it. The Small Mall sells a variety of contemporary and antiques you can use to spruce up your home like desks, chairs, rugs, art and even shelving. The good part is, inventory constantly changes, so you’ll find original pieces. The bad part – if you see something you like, grab it while you can.
Indy Artsy | 1125 E. Brookside Avenue | $$
Said to be a “must-visit” store by Yelp users, Indy Artsy offers handmade mugs, cookware, planters, jewelry, home décor and practically anything else you’ll probably want – but don’t really need.
ONLINE BOUTIQUES TO CONSIDER
Indygenous | indygenous.in | $$
If you’re looking to show some real Indy pride throughout your home, you’ll find some one-of-a-kind art posters in the Indygenous Etsy shop. From Carmel to Garfield Park to Bates-Hendricks – practically every neighborhood in the city is captured as a digital print.
United State of Indiana | UnitedStateofIndiana.com | $$
Those who live and breathe the Hoosier spirit will find their happy place while browsing the United State of Indiana website. There, they will discover t-shirts that read “Hoosiers make better beer,” customized drinkware, and oversized sweatshirts that say, “This is home.”
RELATED | Indianapolis ranked No. 14 on list of cities to shop local in 2017 | How to capitalize on Small Business Saturday
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