Small Business Saturday in and around Indy: What to know

INDIANAPOLIS —This may be the most critical year to shop small.

Small retailers, small restaurants, and small businesses of all kinds need their communities' support to keep their doors open every year. But with this downward spiral of a year, it's more important than ever to participate in Small Business Saturday.

"Sure, you can buy just about anything on Amazon these days, but you're not going to get that personal touch," Joan Miller of Danville said. She's the "Locker Room" owner, where she's worked on custom sports apparel and paraphernalia for decades.

Barbara Quandt, the state director of the National Federation of Independent Business in Indiana, says consumers are more than likely to get a quality experience with small business owners than national retailers or chains. For instance, she said, consumers can get into contact with a small business owner much faster than they could customer service from a big-box retailer.

"When I talk to my customers, I make sure I understand their vision," Miller said.

"While it's important to support small business owners every day of the year and every Small Business Saturday, this is a critical time for Indiana small business owners," Quandt started.

"The COVID-19 pandemic has forced many small business owners to shut their doors, and others are barely hanging on. A recent NFIB survey found that the retail and services industries have been the hardest hit by COVID-19. That is why it's a critical time to shop small this weekend," She wrote in an email to WRTV. "Your support can help mom and pop shops across Indiana keep their doors open. Every little bit helps."

Small Business Saturday is this weekend, Nov. 28, and Indianapolis neighborhoods will be taking part in the national occasion with discounts and deals from many local businesses.

American Express launched the "Shop Small" campaign in 2010 to help small businesses get a more significant piece of holiday spending as many shoppers anticipate Black Friday and Cyber Monday.

Although it will look different from years past, Indy-area shoppers can participate in the all-day affair in Carmel, Fishers, Fountain Square, and Mass Ave.

Here's a little more info on each area's event:

Carmel

Many Carmel merchants are providing online discounts and curbside delivery this Saturday.

Participating businesses include:

• All Things Carmel
• Aronstam Jewlers
• Bash Boutique
• Bath Junkie
• Carmel Art on Main Gallery and Gifts
• CCA Art Gallery
• Donatello's Italian Restaurant
• Eyes on Main
• Fishman Fine Jewelers
• Holder Mattress Company
• HUE on Range Line
• Silver in the City
• Indie Coffee Roasters
• Penn & Beach Candle Co.
• And more.

Fishers

This year, Fishers’ Small Business Saturday celebration will be extended through December 31 to encourage the community to support local businesses all season long.

There will be a record of over 60 local businesses offering special deals and promotions that customers can find on the "Play Fishers" app.

Fountain Square

If shoppers visit at least ten of the following businesses in the area, they will be entered into a drawing to win a gift basket of local goods valued at over $800.

Participating businesses:

• Arthur's Music Store

• Athena's Fashion Boutique
• Bovacatni Coffee
• Bow Wow Meow Boutique
• City Dogs Grocery
• FSQ Bonsai
• Hero House Comics

• HI-FI Indy

• Howl & Hide

• La Margarita

• Litterally Divine Chocolates

• Mass Ave Knit Shop

• Onatah General

• Square Scoop

• The Wine Market

• Tuggle's Gifts & Goods

• Wildwood Market

• Zodiac Vintage

Mass Ave

Mass Ave merchants are encouraging their shoppers to make purchases online from multiple participating Mass Ave businesses and then come to a "Curbside Pickup Sunday" event the following day, where customers will drive through a parking area and pick up their online purchases from participating stores, all without leaving their vehicle. The Merchants Association has partnered with Yelp to hand out swag bags to the first 100 cars arriving for a pickup, as well.