How to celebrate Small Business Saturday in Indianapolis
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Not into battling the masses for big box discounts on Black Friday? Then consider scouring Circle City shops to secure some serious savings on Small Business Saturday.
Flashback: Founded by American Express in 2010 to support entrepreneurs struggling during the economic recession, Small Business Saturday has been officially cosponsored by the U.S. Small Business Administration since 2011.
By the numbers: According to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, shoppers plan to do 41% of their holiday shopping at small businesses this year, up from 36% last year.
- Younger consumers are leading the movement, with 52% of Gen Zers saying they plan to spend more at small businesses in 2025, compared to 31% of Gen Xers and just 19% of Boomers.
- 79% of small businesses consider this upcoming holiday season important for their overall profit this year, up from 70% last year.
Zoom in: Here are six local suggestions to get your big shopping day started.
🛍️ The Broad Ripple Village Association is passing out free tote bags and "passports" to village businesses at Thieves starting at 10am.
- Collect stamps at spots like Indy CD & Vinyl, Three Dog Bakery, BRICS, Lola Blu Boutique and others, and enter for a chance to win a gift valued at $25 from one of the participating businesses.
🦌 Fountain Fetcher is home to more than 30 businesses taking part in SBS, including deals like 15% off everything at Elf'n Moon, 20% off everything at Tuggle's Gifts & Goods and 25% off everything at Flipside Estates.
- Pick up a passport at participating shops, collect 10 stamps, and you'll have a shot at free prizes that will be awarded the following week.
- Plus, you can meet two of Santa's reindeer from 1-3pm at Fountain Square Plaza.
🦸 Near East Merchants Association is giving swag bags to the first 10 customers to spend at least $20 at 10 participating shops, including Smoking Goose, 8th Day Distillery and Kan-Kan Cinema.
- One in 10 swag bags will contain "Super Swag" and additional goodies.
🛒 Mass Ave Small Business Saturday is taking care of the early birds by providing swag bags to the first 10 customers at participating businesses like 4 Birds Bakery, Easley Winery, Francis & Fern Boutique and Goodies & Giggles Toy Store.
- You can also win a night's stay at the Bottleworks Hotel by scanning a QR code in each shop.
🎁 Irvington Shop Small Crawl will provide a festive atmosphere and deep discounts at places like Market Vintage, Black Sheep Gifts, Irvington Vinyl & Books, Wild Child Coffee Co. and others from 10am-8pm.
- Picking up and filling out a "crawl card" can earn you prizes.
🤑 Garfield Park Small Business Saturday will see businesses like Greiner's, Parkside Public House, Serendipity Plants and more rolling out special deals.
- Visiting at least six shops enters you for a chance to win a $25 gift card at each participating location.
🎄 Shop Small Shop Carmel has more than 20 participating businesses offering deals from 9am-7pm.
- Reusable tote bags packed with exclusive giveaways and special items will be available at each location.