13 small businesses you’d cry over if they closed
Small Business Saturday is this Saturday, Nov. 24. As every CHStoday reader knows, Charleston is full of small businesses that make the city an interesting + unique place to live. New, small businesses are opening in CHS all the time– helping boost not only our quality of life but our economy.
This is something called the “Multiplier Effect.” According to American Independent Business Alliance (AMIBA), the multiplier effect is the boost to your local economy that results from locally-owned, independent businesses, owners + employees spending business revenue within the region. In several studies on AMIBA’s site, a proven 48% financial return to the community occurs when you spend locally– vs. a 13.6% return when shopping with national/chain retailers.
In S.C., more than 97% of all businesses are considered small businesses, and 46.7% of the S.C. workforce is employed by small biz. Nationwide, small businesses employ almost half of the U.S. workforce.
To celebrate their “small but mighty” status, local businesses are hosting shopping events with special deals, discounts, and even snacks. Businesses in Park Circle have teamed up to take care of your holiday shopping needs. Shops in the South Windermere Center in West Ashley are offering sales + promotions to help fill your bags to the brim (to know who is participating, just look for the blue mat outside their door).
We asked you to tell us which small businesses you would be heartbroken over if they closed to help remind us all to support these local businesses on Small Biz Saturday– and truly, every other day. 💙
#ProTip: These are perfect places to shop for gifts or take the visiting fam during the holidays.
Young figure skaters at the Carolina Ice Palace | Photo by @carolinaicepalace
“I would be heartbroken if Carolina Ice Palace closed. I started skating at 11 and it’s become such a big part of my life in the last 14 years.” –Elaine O.
📍Blue Heron Acupuncture & Apothecary
Photo by Blue Heron Acupuncture & Apothecary
“I would be heartbroken if JI Chiropractic, Blue Heron Acupuncture, Charleston Crab House, Osaka, or Lowcountry Companions closed… these are local businesses I frequent.” –Tali W.
Limited edition dragon bubble tea | Photo by @cuppamanna
“I would be heartbroken if Cuppa Manna closed. Bubble tea is my life.” –Kristen A.
📍Ensemble Consignment Boutique
Drop waist Aztec dress | Photo by @ensembleconsignments
“I can’t attend a party or fancy dinner without shopping at Ensemble Consignment Boutique first!” –Tracey M.
Photo by @kaminskys
“I’d be heartbroken if Kaminsky’s closed. I’m OBSESSED with their berry cobbler. Obsessed. ❤️” –Crystal B.
Photo by @affordabike
“We would be heartbroken if @affordabike closed! ❤️🚲” –@going_places_nonprofit
Photo by @mrk.charleston
“It would be awful if Mr. K’s Used Books - Charleston ever closed!” –Sara Lea T.
Photo by @cannonboroughcollective
“Definitely Cannonborough Collective!!!” –Hillary C.
Photo by @coastalcoffeeroasters
“I would be absolutely heartbroken if Coastal Coffee Roasters or Sculpted Lotus Yoga or THE ICEHOUSE closed.... these places make Summerville awesome!” –Erin H.
Photo by Leyla Fine Lebanese Cuisine
“I would be heartbroken if Leyla’s closed.” –Pamela H.
Western Red Cedar Swing Bed | Photo by @lcswingbeds @kacie_ruth
“I’d be heartbroken if @lcswingbeds closed! They make amazing swing beds and are a Lowcountry staple in my opinion! Can’t wait to have a porch of my own someday so I can have one of my own.” –@beachbum312
Tiny Sperry’s and Converse | Photo by @angelsandrascals
“Would be 💔 if @angelsandrascals closed! Many others too, love shopping local!” –@crissyrowell
Photo by Low Country Vacuum & Sew
“I would be heartbroken if @lowcountryvacuumand closed. They are a great family owned + operated Vac + Sew store. They do repairs + sales.” –@greneyedfairy
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Black Friday + Small Business Saturday deals for Nov. 23-24, 2018.
Friday
Polly’s Fine Jewelry - 50% off storewide at both their Mount Pleasant + North Charleston locations. Some exclusions apply.
House of Sage - Buy one get one all sale merch. 20-40% off other merchandise throughout the day (click here for more details).
Saturday
Polly’s Fine Jewelry - 50% off storewide at both their Mount Pleasant + North Charleston locations. Some exclusions apply.
Sesame Burgers, Five Loaves Cafe, + Ember Wood Fired Kitchen - Purchase a gift card of any amount and receive a free appetizer coupon.
Southern Protocol Bridal- All shoppers on Saturday will enjoy 10% off all their purchase. In the spirit of the season, Southern Protocol Bridal will also make a tribute donation in your honor to One 80 Place’s Thanksgiving Fundraising Drive and be giving away gifts to several shoppers. To make an appointment, call (843) 212-5160.
Cannonborough Collective - 20% off storewide + complimentary treats & sips for all who stop in to shop.
Did we miss your favorite Small Business Saturday Deal? Let me know in the comments below + don’t forget to support small businesses this Saturday– and, honestly, every day.
– Justine