Small Business Saturday 2025: What It Is and Where to Shop
This site contains affiliate links to products. We may receive commission for purchases made through these links. Price at time of publish date may change.
This time of year is usually filled with shopping—be it gifting your loved ones thoughtful presents; preparing for all of your dinner parties, Friendsgiving get-togethers, and holiday hosting; decorating the house with decor to spark wintertime magic; and all the moments that happen in-between. And as much as we appreciate the convenience of same-day shipping and affordable must-haves for the season, we also love supporting our local businesses. Small Business Saturday makes that easy, by celebrating local stores and mom-and-pop shops during the big shopping season. The event kicks off on the Saturday after Thanksgiving. This year, it falls on November 29, 2025.
Participating stores may include everything from restaurants and bars to gift shops, clothing stores, furniture and home decor stores, coffee shops, hardware stores, and more. The event is a way to honor and celebrate local brick-and-mortar shops, and encourages us all to support our own local communities. Search for the small businesses in your area at the American Express link here, and post about your favorite local stores using the hashtag #SmallBusinessSaturday to spread the word about the day. Shopping small is one of the easiest ways to influence your community and economy. Because when you shop small, you’re supporting families, local artists, and your own neighbors. And that feels good!
What is Small Business Saturday?
Small Business Saturday is an annual nationwide event that began in 2010, when American Express launched the first Small Business Saturday campaign to help support small, local businesses during the big holiday shopping rush. It began as a marketing initiative to give exposure to smaller businesses during the busy season, as big box stores can often overpower the market during this time of year.
When is Small Business Saturday?
Small Business Saturday always falls on the Saturday after Thanksgiving, and the day after Black Friday. This year, it takes place on Saturday, November 29, 2025.
Who founded the event?
Small Business Saturday was founded by American Express in 2010. Since 2011, the United States Small Business Administration (SBA) has co-sponsored the event.
Where can I shop for the best deals?
Specific sales and deals will vary store-by-store. Some businesses will offer special discounts or promotions during Small Business Saturday, like BOGO deals or free gift offers. Others might offer various percentages off certain products. All of this will be dependent on the individual store you shop at. And, if you’re an American Express cardholder, you can even get rewarded for supporting local stores.
Any small businesses we should know about?
Yes! The staff at DrewandJonathan.com love to shop small all year round. We’ve highlighted a handful of businesses across the country that you should visit in person (or shop online, if they have that option!).
In New York City
- Hermine: If you’re in Minneapolis, you can shop this amazing vintage store in real life. But if you’re like me and can’t visit in person, they also have an awesome online presence. I’ve ordered from Hermine several times, and the owner is lovely and happy to answer any questions you have before purchasing. She’ll even try things on for you!
- Runaway Poppy: This charming home decor store on the Upper West Side of New York has the most delightful gifts and finds for your house. If you need a unique hostess gift this holiday season, you should definitely check them out!
- Big Night: Home chefs and hostesses, this is for you. This shop has the brightest, most fun cookware, pantry items, and gifts. They do have an online store, so anyone can shop there. But if you’re ever visiting New York, make sure you swing by because it’s a gorgeous store.
- Tarin Thomas: Anyone searching for a one-of-a-kind jewelry piece that won’t empty your bank account will love Tarin Thomas. You can browse earrings, rings, necklaces, and more online. In-store, they also curate a lovely selection of vintage clothes, household trinkets, candles, and more.
- Lazy Sundays Home: I love this store for secondhand home pieces! I’ve shopped here locally in New York, but they also update their Instagram and website with items they can ship, as well. They offer quality decor, art, ceramics, and more one-of-a-kind finds at very reasonable prices. I picked up a gorgeous silver candelabra recently and it’s my new favorite!
– Megan Stein, Sr. Director Editorial and Content Marketing
- Lockwood: I have since moved from the big city, but if you’re still there (or are ever in Astoria), you can’t miss this local gem. It’s the perfect place to go for that special thing or for that special person in your life. And if that special person in your life is yourself, even better. They have unique decor, stationery, clothing, kid’s gifts, and affordable lifestyle goods, focusing on local makers and up-and-coming brands.
– Jimmy Bertoni, Sr. Art Director
In Philadelphia
- Rival Bros: This place hits everything you want in a coffee shop: Good coffee, awesome people, yummy bites, and an outdoor patio perfect for people watching. It’s my favorite place to be at 9:00 AM on a Saturday.
- Goods Vintage: Call this the final boss of hidden gem antique stores. They have amazing vintage clothing and accessories, plus home decor, small furniture pieces, and tons of eclectic finds. It’s located right in the middle of Philadelphia’s Italian Market.
- Room Shop: Located in the iconic Bok Building, Room Shop is a super unique small batch accessory store that has probably the coolest pieces you’ll ever find. I bought this beautiful sheer purse for my wedding day this year, and got so many compliments on it. And it felt really good to say that I bought it from a local artist!
- Occasionette: Cutest. Gift shop. Ever. Not only do they carry a ton of trinkets from local artists, but they also have a beautiful selection of cards, notebooks, soaps, cookware, and pretty much any and all of the little things that make your house feel like a home. Plus, it always smells good inside.
– Bree Pulver, Sr. Digital Editor
In Nashville
- Thistle Farms Cafe & Shop: Far more than just a lovely breakfast spot and artisan shop, Thistle Farms is on a mission to employ and empower women seeking sanctuary. Through the café and shop, they’re fostering a community of healing that celebrates stories of hope, love, and transformation.
- White’s Mercantile: Known as “A general store for the modern tastemaker,” White’s Mercantile is your one-stop shop for everything from dog treats to handcrafted leather bags. You may walk in with just a couple things in mind, but you’ll walk out with a smattering of things that are absolute must-haves (including the incredible candle that’s burning as you browse!)
- Humphrey’s Street Coffee Shop: The perfect spot for a yap and coffee date. And if you’re not in Nashville, don’t worry—they offer all their coffee beans (and other handcrafted goods) online! Plus, all profit is reinvested into programs and scholarship opportunities for the students they serve. So…french toast latte, anyone?
- The Bookshop: Located in the East Nashville neighborhood, this women-owned bookstore is the perfect little book nook for any reader! If you’re looking to find a community of fellow book lovers, they hold fun events like blind dates with books, annual reading challenges, and monthly book clubs.
– Heather Speer, Associate Social Media Editor
- Gift Horse: This is my go-to shop in Nashville whenever I’m looking for unique gifts. I have a handful of people in my life who are tough to shop for, and I can almost always find something here that feels perfect—and that I know they don’t already have. It’s also just such an enjoyable place to browse; I usually end up treating myself, too. From fun stickers and clever books to t-shirts, accessories, and more, there’s always something for someone on my list.
– Kelly Kraisinger, Digital Marketing Manager
- Bits & Pieces Antique Boutique: Bits & Pieces is always a fun place to stop in to find unique gifts! I could browse the fun selection of home decor, clothing, and antiques for hours.
- Thunder Moon Collective: This is a cozy welcoming store located in the heart of East Nashville, with a gorgeous aesthetic filled with unique gifts. I always love smelling their incense and candles, trying on their selection of jewelry, and browsing the various bits and bobs. Everything in-store is rooted in the values of sustainability, being handmade, and fair trade, which is really cool.
– Aly Nagel, Community Manager
In Arkansas
- Culture Flock: This store has the cutest gifts, trinkets, and more. Their mission? Equality for everyone, protecting our planet, being kind, and having fun. From T-shirts with hilarious slogans to cute magnets and pins made from local artists, Culture Flock has something for everyone.
- Arkanseoul: This place has an extensive menu with all kinds of different Korean delicacies, and the owner rotates the menu based on the season. In the winter, she adds Kimchi Jiggae, which is the perfect spicy and savory stew to warm you up on any blustery day.
- Más Libritos Bookstore: This beautiful bookstore is a “Latina-owned and intersectional feminist bookstore of new and used books that centers the stories of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color.” The selection of books is impeccable, and the flexibility of the bookstore being online and a pop-up offers multiple ways for people to access their selection of reads.
- Pizzeria Ruby: Springdale, Arkansas is definitely more than a stone’s throw away from Chicago and Italy, but the pizza and pasta offered at this little shop can put any heavyweight pizzeria to the test. Go for the pizza, stay for the powdered sugar donuts.
– McKenzie Pendergrass, Social Media Editor
Online Small Business Buys We Love
Bree Pulver
Bree is the Senior Digital Editor at DrewandJonathan.com. In the past, she’s worked for publications focused on home improvement and sustainable living. Bree’s Pinterest board is filled with cozy textures; vintage patterns; sculptural furniture; and moody, warm-toned colors. She has a degree concentrated in the intersection of writing and architecture, which influences her passion for exploring creative solutions to unusual home layouts and stylish renter-friendly decor. She’s a self-proclaimed pro at finding the best antique furniture in the most unlikely of places (but her cat Blue can certainly back these claims).
⚖️ How We Choose What to Recommend
