It’s been a rough couple of years for many small businesses – but a lot of local companies are eagerly anticipating Small Business Saturday on November 26th this year
The post-Thanksgiving holiday shopping rush is an annual tradition, and Small Business Saturday is designed to encourage folks to eschew the big box stores and use their dollars to support local enterprises of all kinds – from the restaurants that make you excited to live in your neighborhood to the neighborhood book store or coffee shop that contributes to the local vibe.
If you’re looking for some great places to spend your holiday shopping money, we have plenty of suggestions inside Indy and surrounding areas. Grab a cup of coffee to go and check out these local superstars:
Inside Indianapolis
It would be impossible to list every worthy local enterprise in the city, so we’ll just focus on a few of our favorites (most of which are located among the hundreds of small businesses in the Broad Ripple area). They include:
- Artifacts Gallery: If you want an intimate shopping experience with a curated collection of homemade items, this is the first place to start shopping.
- Cork & Cracker: Got a gourmet on your gift list? Go here for artisan cheeses, great wines, gift baskets and all the wine accessories you could desire!
- Indy CD & Vinyl: This is the largest independent record shop in the city, so if vinyl’s your thing, don’t pass up a chance to do some shopping here.
- Global Gifts: This is a fair-trade, nonprofit store that supports small artists from all around the world. When you buy items from this place, you’re helping indigenous people find a sustainable livelihood.
- Black Sheep Gifts: Looking for lotions and potions or something fun and funny? If you need stocking stuffers or small, thoughtful gifts that won’t break the bank, you’ll love shopping here.
Inside Hendricks County
Hendricks County has all kinds of places to explore, including The Shops at Perry Crossing and historic downtown Danville and Plainfield, but some of the local favorite shopping spots for gifts are:
- The Shop Next Door: You’ll find everything you could possibly imagine here – as long as it’s handmade, from purses and jewelry to quilts and jelly.
- The Tie Dye Lab: You can imagine it – and you can create it! Let your inner hippie out at this walk-in tie-dye studio that’s open to the public and available for parties!
- Bread Basket Cafe & Bakery: After a long day of shopping and exploring, why not treat yourself to something from this hidden gem? (Warning: The owners are not responsible if the desserts don’t make it all the way home with you!)
Inside Greenfield
Greenfield is growing, and you may not yet realize just how many small businesses are popping up all over Hancock County. We recommend you try:
- Four Sharp Corners: Indiana is full of sports fans, so if you’re looking for a collector’s special on sports cards or other memorabilia, this is definitely the place to shop.
- J.W. Riley’s Emporium: Do your tastes run to the eclectic, the old or the antique? This is one of the best places in the area to go “antiquing” and look for treasures from bygone eras.
- Miller’s Jewelry: Need a gift for a special someone? For more than 50 years, this family-owned shop has been supplying all kinds of sparkling delights.
- Hometown Comics: If you want to geek out or get your nerd on, you’re absolutely encouraged to visit this lovely comic and game store!
Inside Fishers
Fishers as always had a huge entrepreneurial streak, and the local shops really get into the action on Small Business Saturday. Make sure you check out:
- Snakeroot Botanicals: Houseplants have become hugely popular in home decor, and you can find some lovely varieties here that make perfect decorative items. (They also have a location right in Indy.)
- BluePeppermint Boutique: Is there a clothes horse on your shopping list? If so, you don’t want to overlook this fun-filled shop that’s packed with all kinds of clothing, jewelry and accessory items that will thrill any fashionista.
- Twigs & Tea: This is one of the quirkiest, sweetest little shops you can imagine. You can get tea and dessert after a long day of shopping, then browse through an amazing collection of gifts that include jewelry, soaps, accessory items and more.
- High Frequency Arts: If you’re looking for a tasteful gift that will truly be treasured, you’ll love the array of art prints, throw pillows, bookends and more that you’ll find in this little gem.
Inside Carmel
Carmel is a thriving city that enjoys celebrating its own local color and culture, and there are tons of shops all within walkable distance from each other, like:
- Bash Boutique: Tops, bottoms, coats and accessory items are what this place is all about, so if you want to find the latest styles, make this store your destination.
- Kits & Kaboodle: What’s the holiday without toys? Come visit a classic European-inspired toy shop that’s filled with sustainable, creative products for kids of all ages.
- Bath Junkie Carmel: This is more than a bath and body shop – it’s an experience! You can even design your own signature scent with their custom-designed fragrances.
- Indiana Artisan: This may be the ultimate place to put your money if you want to support Indiana artisans. Everything here is homegrown or homemade right here in this state.
- Silver in the City: This is a fun, quirky little place that has some of the most curious gifts and oddities around. There’s jewelry, housewares and tons of what-nots to browse.
Make sure you check local ads, company Facebook pages and business websites to learn more about the deals other local businesses are offering – because there are many more than we can list in one place. Remember: Every dollar you spend in a local business makes a huge impact and helps your community thrive!
