You’ve heard of Black Friday, but what about Small Business Saturday? Just 24 hours after the great consumer holiday comes another day dedicated to shopping — with a focus on supporting your neighbors. Shopping in your community doesn’t just increase your chance of nabbing a distinct gift, it greatly boosts the local economy. For every $100 spent at local businesses, some studies show about $48 recirculates locally as opposed to less than $14 if purchases are made at large chain stores. Colorado’s small businesses employ nearly half of all the state’s workers, according to the U.S. Small Business Administration. Here are some Small Business Saturday markets and events to give you a taste of what Aurora and Centennial shops have to offer.
Two22 Brew’s Pop-Up Market
Address: 4550 S. Reservoir Road, Centennial
Time: Noon-3 p.m.
Contact: 720-328-9038, info@two22brew.com
The scoop: What’s a more Colorado way to celebrate Small Business Saturday than stopping by a local brewery? Sip on one of Two22 Brew‘s dozen or so microbrews while perusing goods from 13 vendors at a special pop-up market. If you like the blend of beer and boosterism, pay Two22 Brew a visit year round: The brewery donates $2.22 from every $10 of profit to 11 local charities.
Small Business Saturday Holiday Market at aMUSEd Woman Studios
Address: 15452 E. Orchard Road, Centennial
Time: 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
The scoop: Get a head start on the holidays without braving Black Friday crowds by visiting this Small Business Saturday market at aMUSEd Woman Studios, featuring 10 local enterprises. Look for selections of custom jewelry, cosmetics, home organizers, safe-to-eat cookie dough and more.
Small Business Saturday at Stanley
Address: 2501 Dallas St., Aurora
Time: 9 a.m.-9 p.m.
Contact: 720-990-6743, info@stanleymarketplace.com
The scoop: All of Stanley Marketplace‘s 50-plus businesses will celebrate Small Business Saturday with special offers and events. Whether you’re a long-time Stanley fan or a novice paying your first visit to the converted airplane hangar, this is an ideal day to scope out Stanley’s wares. Keep an eye out for local celebrities: Aurora Mayor Steve Hogan, Denver Mayor Michael B. Hancock and other officials will be touring the market in the morning.
Small Business Saturday at Cherry Creek North
Address: Bordered by Steele Street, University Boulevard, Third and First avenues in Denver
Time: Shop hours vary
Contact: 303-394-2904, info@CherryCreekNorth.com
The scoop: Shopping the 32 participating, local businesses in the Cherry Creek North business improvement district Nov. 25 won’t just benefit the shop owners. Show your receipts to the area’s Small Business Saturday headquarters at 2nd Avenue and Fillmore Street and you’ll be entered to win a Cherry Creek North gift card worth $250 or $500.