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Where to shop in Redding on Small Business Saturday: Find holiday deals at local stores

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Where to shop in Redding on Small Business Saturday: Find holiday deals at local stores

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The election, concerns about inflation. It’s been at times a trying year for some North State small businesses.

But merchants that talked to the Record Searchlight said they are hopeful the holiday season will put a bow on 2024.

Many will be offering sales and giveaways on Small Business Saturday, Nov. 30, to kick off the holiday shopping season.

“It was a little slower the first part of the year,” said Apricot Lane Boutique owner Kassandra Warner. “But we are starting to see an uptick.

“There has been so much noise in the world with the election stuff. So, it will be nice to get back to normal.”

How Small Business Saturday got started

Small Business Saturday is celebrating its 15th year. It was established by American Express in 2010, and a year later the U.S. Small Business Administration started co-sponsoring the event.

According to the Small Business Association, it’s estimated that in 2023, consumers who shopped at small businesses on Small Business Saturday spent $17 billion.

And since the event started, shoppers have spent $201 billion at small shops on Small Business Saturday, the SBA projects.

“It supports local and your local economy and the people. Shopping local sends kids to dance classes, to camps,” said Cris Hillman, who owns Janine’s Jewelry in downtown Redding. “It’s families supporting each other.”

Redding merchants say more than ever, it’s important to shop local

Across the street from Warner’s Apricot Lane Boutique, at Shenanigans Baby Boutique on Market Street, owner Katie Cline spoke to the importance of Small Business Saturday.

“Community support is critical to thrive. It’s right now that we need our small businesses for a healthy economy,” she said.

Suzanne Russell has owned Carousel, a women’s clothing boutique in downtown Redding on Yuba Street for nine years. The store has been downtown for 14 years.

In past years, downtown would host a pop-up market featuring different vendors on Small Business Saturday. But some of the brick-and-mortar shops expressed concern the market was taking business away.

“Business is slower for a lot of people … and it would be more beneficial to visit downtown and visit the brick-and-mortars instead of putting on a larger market,” Russell said.

What Redding stores are doing for Small Business Saturday

Apricot Lane Boutique actually will be open on Black Friday, too. The store will offer deals on sweaters and jackets.

On Small Business Saturday, Apricot Lane will giveaway a free piece of jewelry with a $100 purchase.

Shenanigans will have a storewide sale. Also, customers who book the store’s party venue for a future date will get a discount if they book on Small Business Saturday.

Janine’s Jewelry, which opened in 1979 on Yuba Street, will keep its tradition of offering snacks and beverages on Small Business Saturday.

Carousel, the women’s boutique, will have sales storewide. The store also will host Michelle Carr of Bluebird Permanent Jewelry.  

Gather Downtown on Butte Street will offer free gift wrapping on purchases over $25. There will be a holiday gift basket raffle and drawing, and customers can enjoy popcorn and hot chocolate. Gather features more than 65 vendors, who sell clothes, crafts, and other things.

Hilltop Drive is home to Trends Vintage Marketplace, where for the ninth straight year, the antique, hand-made crafts mall will host its Holiday Dash, which will include gift basket giveaways and refreshments.

Trends has 20 vendors under one roof that sell gift items, shabby chic décor, estate jewelry, and yard décor.

We want “to promote the community, let them know we are here,” said Diane Bickle, who owns Trends with Sean Edwards.

Shasta County Arts Council will open its annual Holiday Boutique on Small Business Saturday at Old City Hall on Market Street.

Cottonwood Christmas on Front Street returns on Small Business Saturday. Pictures with Santa Claus, beer garden and food trucks, Christmas caroling and raffles are among the highlights of the annual event.

David Benda covers business, development and anything else that comes up for the USA TODAY Network in Redding. He also writes the weekly “Buzz on the Street” column. He’s part of a team of dedicated reporters that investigate wrongdoing, cover breaking news and tell other stories about your community. Reach him on Twitter @DavidBenda_RS or by phone at 1-530-338-8323. To support and sustain this work, please subscribe today.

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