By Carol Tannenhauser
It’s true that it was started by American Express, but it’s still a great idea. After shopping till you drop on Black Friday, you can stroll leisurely around the neighborhood on Small Business Saturday — the weather’s supposed to be fine — and shop the many small businesses that characterize and vitalize the Upper West Side.
Small Business Saturday is a bona fide annual holiday. After American Express introduced it in 2010, “in 2011, the Senate unanimously passed a resolution supporting the holiday, and it quickly became honored in all 50 states,” according to Bankrate. “The day not only drives customers to local ventures, but is positive for employment, economic well-being and neighborhood vitality in the community.”
Sandwiched between Black Friday and Cyber Monday, Small Business Saturday manages to do quite well. The National Retail Federation (NRF) reported that “nearly 180 million Americans” shopped between the two better-known holidays, and American Express said, U.S. shoppers spent over $20 billion on Small Business Saturday in 2021. “Capturing at least some of the shopping activity between Thanksgiving day to Cyber Monday, this year on November 28, is crucial to the success of small businesses,” NRF added.
West Side Rag covers small-business happenings in the neighborhood in two ways: through our weekly Openings and Closings column, and in regularly featured Small Business Focus profiles of local businesses throughout the neighborhood.
Please put suggestions for local stores to visit in the comments, and then go out and shop local on Saturday!
And in case you missed our roundup of festive holiday events in the neighborhood, from Thankgiving to New Year’s Eve, click here.
My picks for Small business Saturday: The Jewel Boutique on. Bdwy bet 98-99 St., Ivan’s Pharmacy on Columbus and 94-95 St. , Mani Market recently profiles in WSR, Book Culture stores in lower Harlem,.
Heading into holiday festivities, if you want something lovely to wear at parties, go to Darryl’s Boutique (492 Amsterdam at 84th). Chic, and offering a range of prices.
Oh, and a gift for a host/hostess? Magpie gift shop is 2 doors down. Honestly, something for everyone.
Darryl’s is awesome.
Danny’s Pharmacy on West End between 64th and 65th is a gem. It’s the kind of neighborhood store I remember going to as a kid in the 80s. Friendly service and Danny either knows all of his customers or takes the time to get to know those new to his store.
Runaway Poppy is adorable and I never leave empty handed. CPW is perfection as well! ShiShi they help style you and have a fabulous selection!