Support Local on Small Business Saturday

SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY - SATURDAY, NOV. 27

As the 2021 holiday shopping season arrives, this is your annual reminder to plan a visit to historic Uptown Westerville for Small Business Saturday on Saturday, Nov. 27. The merchants of Uptown will have plenty of stock and in-store surprises to help you support local during peak shopping season.

Small Business Saturday follows Black Friday each year, a post-Thanksgiving holiday tradition that promotes some of the year’s best deals and savings. “Shopping Small” has since become attached to the weekend to feature the benefits of supporting local merchants in communities of all sizes.

“When you shop small, you’re reinvesting in Westerville,” said Rachel Ray, Westerville’s Economic Development Director. “Uptown has an unmatched selection of novelties and unique gifts that make holiday preparations so much easier, and we know our merchants are ready to showcase their best.”

Ray says Uptown will be a great destination for holiday shopping in 2021, particularly as supply chain issues may limit some offerings at big-box retailers.

“Ongoing issues with the pandemic are expected to create some shipping and supply delays and that may impact what we see on shelves in stores or what may be available online,” she said. “Planning ahead this year to shop local will be the key to overall convenience.”

A bonus to Uptown shopping: special events, such as holidaythemed appearances (traditionally Santa, and maybe more?) and the annual ice sculptures. Additionally, Uptown organizers plan to coordinate special holiday events in conjunction with the DORA (designated outdoor refreshment area), which will be in effect from 12-10 p.m. during Small Business Saturday.

Ray says this event matters to the local economy.

“Even if you’re not much of a shopper, consider scheduling dinner or holiday lunch at one of our great Uptown restaurants,” she said. “Any show of support contributes to the success of Uptown and our merchants.”

For more information on special events on Small Business Saturday, visit business.westerville.org.