Small businesses celebrate day dedicated to local shopping

For over a decade, small businesses have celebrated Small Business Saturday across the United States. A counterpart to Black Friday and Cyber Monday, the last Saturday in November is dedicated to local, brick and mortar businesses. The downtown businesses in Longmont make a party of it followed by Artist Sunday where things get creative.

Each year Longmonters seek out local businesses to find unique, local gifts to place under their holiday tree. According to Kimberlee McKee, executive director of Longmont Downtown Development Authority, or LDDA, downtown businesses report the day as “one of the biggest sales day of the year.”

Jennifer Ferguson of Brick’s Retail said, during the Miracle on Fourth holiday market, with supply chains being disrupted this year, shopping local is more important than ever. 

“Our hope, this year, is that the community comes out and supports local retailers in a big way.  I believe that our small, local retail businesses were some of the hardest hit during COVID.  They have worked hard to continue to serve the community in new ways, with safety protocols, online sales, delivery and pick up. It is the local businesses that make the downtown area special. Support of the community is invaluable.  And, everyone wins when local gifts are given,” McKee said.

Small businesses throughout the city will welcome customers to stop in and shop. In downtown Longmont the celebration will also walk the streets in the form of roaming holiday characters such as elves and a dancing Christmas tree.

St. Stephen’s Plaza will feature ice carvings and surprise giveaways will be gifted to downtown shoppers. 

Artist Sunday follows the Saturday fun with local businesses hosting local artists. Some artists will have working studios while others will display their art. Local mural artists also will be working on their pieces throughout the downtown area.

“Choose local art and give something special, unique, and handcrafted this holiday season, and support local artists and the local economy at the same time. There’s perhaps nothing more personal than a gift of the arts,” McKee said in an email.

Here is a list of artists and places they can be found on Sunday:

• A Florae: Megan Rose
• Bricks: Linda Cranston and Left Hand Artist Group artists
• Cactus Coven
• Happy Day Plants: Susan Steven
• Jensen Guitars: Jim Jarnutowski
• Longmont Yarn Shoppe: Laurie Algar
• Maker General: Julia Zuniga
• MECO Coffee Collective: Bobby Lay
• Old Town Marketplace: Joyanna Rose (Obra Arts) and Terri Krause
• Simply Bulk Market: Crystal Hinds
• The Walnut Gallery
• Zen Babe