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Support Small Business Saturday

Shop Local. Invest in the community where you live, play and work.

November 25, 2015
Sure, Black Friday and Cyber Monday may be all about the big deals, but Small Business Saturday is about something even bigger – investing in the community where you live, play and work.

Founded by American Express in 2010, this day is celebrated every year on the Saturday after Thanksgiving.  This year Small Business Saturday is on November 28th.

With an original intent to encourage shoppers to spend money locally during the holiday season, Small Business Saturday has evolved into a celebration of small businesses and local communities across the United States.  

Again this year Issaquah has big plans to encourage participation including FREE trolley rides through downtown Issaquah and the Issaquah Highlands.  Two trolleys will run from 11 am to 5 pm and will be at each stop every hour to get you to and from your shopping destinations. Stops include ... 

Downtown Issaquah where you'll find fun activities and deals happening at many stores, a Santa Trolley at the Issaquah Depot, chorus performance at the historic Shell Station plus plenty of restaurants and more!

Gilman Village for unique gifts including clothing, home décor and accessories plus 
free Horse Drawn Carriage Rides from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm.

Blakely Hall is hosting a fun family event from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm.  Expect food, beverages, activities for kids, local crafters and home-based businesses, raffles and door prizes, holiday cooking demos; plus meet Queen Elsa from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm for pictures and story time!

Grand Ridge Plaza has more than 50 shops and services and 14 restaurants making it an obvious choice for shopping locally.  In addition, Santa will be available to hear children's wish lists and snap professional photos with Arthur & Associates.  Also worth noting that Santa makes his grand entrance on Friday, November 27 at 4:30 pm.
 
You can view the official map here: 




As a resource in and for the community, Macaroni Kid is a strong advocate of and supporter for Small Business Saturday. That’s why we’re encouraging everyone to play a role in supporting small and locally owned businesses.  

Getting involved is easy!

Shop, eat or play at your favorite neighborhood business
 on Small Business Saturday and throughout the year. When you shop at the independent bookstore, dine at the “mom and pop” restaurant or see at show at the community theater, you’re showing your support all small businesses in your neighborhood.  On a side note, most local shops stock one-of-a-kind gift options, so doing your holiday shopping there means you can find the perfect gift for everyone on your list, without the risk of duplication! 

Then, tell people about it! Small businesses are many times the “hidden gems” of a community, but they don’t need to be. Share your experiences  (and your purchases!) with your friends, talk about it on your social networks, and let everyone you meet know about these great businesses that make their homes in the same town that you do.  When the “best kept secrets” become “well-known,” the community – along with everyone who lives there – thrives!

What local businesses will you support?  Please tell us in the comments.