There are plenty of reasons to consider shopping on Small Business Saturday, but perhaps that most compelling is that 67 cents of every dollar spent at a small business remains in the local community.
Nov. 30 is the 10th annual Small Business Saturday, focused on supporting the diverse range of local businesses that help create jobs, boost the economy and enhance neighborhoods in Dayton and every other town around the country.
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“It seems we see more and more stories about big-name department stores shuttering across the country. But in downtown Dayton, retail has a different story: We’re watching the rise of locally owned businesses,” said Sandy Gudorf, president of the Downtown Dayton Partnership (DDP). “People are smarter consumers. They’re not just making a purchase, they’re seeking an experience.”
“Shoppers are savvy to how much local businesses invest back into their communities, and they want to be part of that. They are looking for thoughtful, high-quality merchandise, and they can get all those things from our locally owned, boutique retailers,” Gudorf said.
Small businesses, the DDP president said, “are thriving in downtown Dayton. Since 2010, we’ve seen more than 20 percent gains in downtown’s first-floor occupancy. Some entertainment corridors like the Oregon District are sitting at 100 percent occupancy for their first-floor spaces. Consumer-based commercial businesses like retailers, restaurants, and other service industries have jump-started downtown’s economic engine. More than 100 new businesses have opened their doors downtown since 2015, and when you buy local, you’re supporting further progress.”
Val Beerbower, economic development project manager for the DDP, offers some suggestions for how to make the most of your Small Business Saturday, to get inspired, and to #ShopSmall:
1) Start your day with the perfect shopping fuel.
We're talking brunch. Nothing supports those shopping bag-holding muscles like a handcrafted Bloody Mary or a fine mimosa. And you’ll need stamina to sift through sales racks to find the perfect gift for all those folks on your list, so carb-load with beignets and bagels.
If you bring a receipt that shows you purchased something from a retailer in the Oregon District, Lily’s Bistro will give you 10 percent off your bill on Black Friday and Small Business Saturday.
>> SWEET DEAL: $1 beignets and Friday brunch at Oregon District restaurant this weekend
Barrel House will be offering 25 percent off their merchandise, and JuicyMelt Supreme Hot Sauce will be selling their locally-made hot sauces.
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Present a receipt for at least $20 from any downtown Dayton small business, and Toxic Brew will give you $2 off for every $10 you spend.
Similar to other popular dining spots in the Oregon District, 416 Diner will give you 15 percent off your bill Saturday if you present a receipt from any Oregon District retail shop.
2) Look for some unique places to shop.
Small businesses have been on the rise throughout downtown, including at the St. Clair Lofts. Gifting options include all-natural hair and skincare products, home goods made from “upcycled” materials, men’s casual and upscale apparel, salon services and cupcakes and baked goods. Or you could head to The Contemporary, formerly the Dayton Visual Arts Center, which will host its annual gift gallery, featuring locally produced artworks ranging from fine art to functional pieces.
Here are some additional recommendations on local businesses worth checking out:
Dayton Oregon District: BRIM, Omega Music, Luna Gifts & Botanicals, Eclectic Essentials, Gem City Catfe, Spice Paradise, Heart Mercantile, Belle of Dayton Distillery, Clash Gallery & Boutique, Billie Gold Bubble Tea, Cellar Door Bohemian, beck + call, and Mike's Vintage Toys LLC.
- BRIM, along with other local businesses Billie Gold Bubble Tea and Salt Block Biscuit Company, will be offering delicious treats, great gifts, and free gift wrapping.
- Omega Music will offer prize giveaways all day. Each purchase qualifies customers for one spin on their prize wheel. There will be a special gift certificate sale. Get a $25 gift certificate for $20, a $50 gift certificate for $40, a $75 gift certificate for $60 and a $100 gift certificate for $80. This year, the store is hosting a coat drive with St. Vincent de Paul Society of Dayton to collect clean, gently worn coats.
- Branch & Bone Artisan Ales will be offering 10 percent off merchandise and 20 percent off T-shirts.
- Mike's Vintage Toys will be offering 10 percent off all items in its store and will hold toy raffles.
Miamisburg: A Taste of Wine, Curious Styles & Coffee Shop, Christmas on Main Street, BlushN'Grey Boutique, The Art of History, Grandpa Joe's Candy Shop, Bike Way Bike Shop, Star City Brewing, m&co., Miamisburg Craft Mall
Oakwood: Whispers @ Home, Toasty Barker Boutique, Wild Poppy, J. Gilbert's for Men, Get Dressed! Boutique, The Little Exchange Fine Gifts, Bahar & Reza
Troy: Ark & Echo, Three Weird Sisters Studio, The Blue Bow Boutique, Grandpa Joe's Candy Shop, Harris Jeweler, Jay & Mary's Book Center, Hittle's Jewelry, Up and Running, Pachamama Market,
Tipp City: Merchant 31, Hapinstance Designs, Topsy Turvy Toys, Living Simply Soap, The Hotel Gallery, BIRCH, The Tin Peddler, Fox and Feather Trading Co., •MADE• Gifts and Goods, Browse Awhile Books
Downtown Tipp City & the Tipp City Chamber of Commerce have teamed up to give away $250 in gift cards hidden in Shop Small canvas bags at various shops. Ten winners will get a $25 gift card to another shop downtown.
>> NOW OPEN: The Contemporary Dayton has the holiday season wrapped up with handcrafted gifts
3) Make your list and check the DDP website twice.
Use the "Find It Downtown" guide to locate shops near you. Search by category, or location. Visit downtowndayton.org and click on "Find It Downtown" to get started. Some shops will have raffle prizes and some restaurants will have drink and food specials to mark the occasion.
4) Plan on transportation.
If the idea of getting to all these locations seems daunting, the new Flyer shuttle service makes it easy. The Flyer runs from 4 p.m. to midnight on Saturday, taking you to destinations such as the contemporary, the Oregon District, and to explore more small businesses along the Brown Street corridor using this free service. Download the transit app for Apple or Android to see when the next Flyer is approaching your location. Find an interactive map at iRideRTA.org/TheFlyer.
"Link Dayton Bike Share" is offering a free ride to cyclists on Small Business Saturday. To get a free Fun Pass, visit any Link bike kiosk and follow the prompts on the screen to check out a bike. Normal usage fees will apply for trips over 30 minutes. This offer is not valid with a Pay-As-You-Go pass. For a station map, visit linkdayton.org.
5) Check out the Dayton Holiday Craft & Gift Show
The Dayton Holiday Craft & Gift Show boasts a collection of 110 booths full of handmade crafts, personalized gifts and ornaments from local and regional vendors. The show will take place on Friday, Nov. 29 and Saturday, Nov. 30 at the Montgomery County Fairgrounds, 645 Infirmary Road in Dayton. Vendors include Amy's Sweet Shop, Crazy Cat Designs, Door2Door Wreaths, J & A Creations, Knot Just Wood, Nana's Treasures, Oak Craft's LLC, Odds & Ends Crafts, Personalize Love, Seasons Change and much more. Entry is $3. Visit www.montcofair.com for more information.
>> Get a jump-start on your holiday shopping at the Dayton Holiday Craft & Gift Show