Shop Small this Saturday!

The holiday shopping event began back in 2010 as a campaign for American Express.

Small Business Saturday is now an important day for local retailers that reminds holiday shoppers to shop small and frequent mom-and-pop stores for Christmas gifts. Both the Patchogue and Bellport local chambers of commerce and stores will be participating this year on Nov. 25. 

Patchogue

Patchogue will be kicking off their Small Business Saturday celebration on Saturday, Nov. 25 at 11 a.m.

The Greater Patchogue Chamber of Commerce will be handing out a couple hundred giveaway bags with deals and coupons, this year outside of Underworld Productions on South Ocean Avenue. Inside, there will also be free photos with Santa surrounded by a Christmas-decorated set.

Some participating business offerings include: The Colony Shop with 20 percent off of almost everything on store; Thred, which will feature 20 percent off holiday décor and have raffles and giveaways; and Patch Print Ship, with 30 percent off ornaments, apparel and drinkware.

There will be no Elf on the Shelf promotion this year; however, the chamber will be hosting two Patchogue Holiday Strolls on Thursday, Dec. 7 and Sunday, Dec. 10, with carolers, refreshments, special deals, and entertainment.

“I think it is important people realize when they support their local downtown, they are basically supporting their property values. A more vibrant downtown means higher property values,” said chamber executive director David Kennedy. “Before sitting in front of your computer or going anywhere else, take a walk up through Patchogue Village. You won’t only find great gifts, but you will be supporting your local downtown.”

Bellport

On Saturday, Nov. 25, the Bellport storefronts will be featuring exclusive deals, offerings, and refreshments.

Participating business include (but are not limited to): TOLA., which will be offering a $20 gift card for every $100 gift card purchase; Pamela Lerner Home & Design will be celebrating the life of Jimmy Buffett with a drawing to enter to win a large margarita glass, no purchase necessary—all visitors will be entered and there will be five winners; Bellport Arts & Framing Studio will have a buy-one, get-one-off cards and card boxes deal as well as wrapping paper specials; and The Storefront will be offering a special book event showcasing local talent.

Along with Small Business Saturday, the Bellport Chamber of Commerce will be running their annual soup contest featuring eight local restaurants. The voting is up to you! There is a donation fee of $5. And you can sample all soups from 12:30 to 2 p.m. on the Four Corners of the village. “Enjoy the soups, [and] shop the quaint village with the best local flare of merchandise available,” said LuAnn Thompson, co-president of the Bellport Chamber.