Now that the Thanksgiving turkey has been digested, Springfieldians are turning their attention to a string of shopping holidays.
Between Black Friday and Cyber Monday is Small Business Saturday. The National Retail Federation predicts it will draw about 65.6 million shoppers, and those shoppers usually spend big. American Express, which introduced the shopping holiday in 2010, estimates shoppers spent nearly $18 billion dollars in 2022 at small, independently owned businesses.
Those dollars have a major impact on local economies. In its 2022 Small Business Economic Impact Study, American Express reported that for every $1 spent with a local business, more than two-thirds of it ($0.68) remains in the same community. Contrast that with national retail spending, which keeps only about 30% to 40% of the total money spent local.
Looking to keep your holiday dollars in Springfield? Here are four places to shop small on Nov. 25. You might even win a prize while you're doing it.
Shop downtown, get a sticker, win a prize
The Downtown Springfield Association is handing out prizes to Small Business Saturday shoppers. Here’s how it works.
Make a purchase at a participating business and get an “I shopped small” sticker (while supplies last). Take a picture of yourself wearing the sticker and share it on social media with the hashtag #ShopSmallSGF, then head to Green House Coffee + Affagato Bar (431 S. Jefferson Ave., Suite 172) to claim your prize. Downtown Springfield Association Communications Manager Hailey Magnus said the organization will be handing out prizes from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. or until they run out.
Shopping options downtown include BookMarx (325 E. Walnut St.), which is offering 20% off all new and used books. If you spend more than $50, you’ll also get a free BookMarx tote bag. Springfield author Kara Remington will be in the store from 2-4 p.m. to celebrate the release of her new book “Vera Clark and the Etruscan Escapades,” and to sign copies.
5 Pound Apparel (412 South Ave.) is once again running several specials for Small Business Saturday. The first 10 customers will receive 50% off one item, while all shoppers can draw for up to 40% off their entire purchase. Spend $100 and you’ll get a $25 gift card, and buy any 5 Pound Apparel T-shirt and get a logo tee for just $15. Want to shop from your couch? 5 Pound Apparel is offering 15% off online purchases all day.
J.L. Long Traders (318 W. Walnut St.) will be serving seasonal refreshments while you shop their new holiday collection. All merchandise, excluding furniture and Bauble Stockings, will be 15% off and every purchase over $10 receives a free J.L. Long Traders tin camping mug.
Harvest some art at Farmers Market of the Ozarks
Farmers Market of the Ozarks (2144 E. Republic Road) is the place to be for the 417 Craft Crawl, from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. This is the third year FMO has hosted the event, which was launched to replace the former Moon City Craft Show.
FMO Market Manager Jesse Stone said this year’s 417 Craft Crawl will have more than 60 vendors, with some set up inside the warm pavilion and others outside. Keep an eye on their Facebook page or Instagram feed as they reveal who those vendors will be.
You might want to get there early. The first 100 shoppers get a free canvas shopping bag with the event logo on it. Stone said the design is cute and different every year.
Shop while you dine at Metro Eats
The Small Business Saturday Market returns for its second year at Metro Eats (2463 W. Sunshine St., Suite 124), giving you the chance to fill your belly while you shop small. The event runs from 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Craig Granger, of Grow For Good 417, says more than 20 small businesses will be set up, offering a wide variety of shopping options. They include Ace High Permanent Jewelry, Edgy Soaps Co., Illumine Collect, Frog Family Reptile & Amphibians, Claydreaming Creations and Bae Savage Vintage
Granger also said there will be special appearances by two Santas at the family-friendly event. The “good” Santa will make a live appearance from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. to spread holiday cheer, while a Bad Santa Bartender will serve up drink specials. There will also be live music from 1-3 p.m.
Grab a bite from one of the vendors at the Metro Eats food hall, or check out the food trucks that will be parked on-site. Options include:
- Caracas House
- El Salvador Pupuseria Y Mas
- Lovecraft Coffee and Kombucha
- Mama G’s Lovely Kitchen
- StuSquatch’s Rockstar BBQ
- Whatever You Want
- Where House Bar
The Small Business Saturday Market will also include raffles and fundraising activities to benefit Ozarks Food Harvest.
Get Ozarks-made gifts at Greene County’s oldest grocery store
A little off the beaten path is Turners Station Mercantile, about four miles east of Springfield (6484 E. Farm Road 148). Greene County’s oldest grocery store has celebrated every Small Business Saturday since its inception and is hosting an open house from 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
Turners Station is host to more than 30 vendors selling made-in-the-Ozarks items. Shoppers will be able to take advantage of specials throughout the store while enjoying refreshments and drawings.
This year’s charitable organization is Junior League of Springfield. Junior League will be on site selling cookbooks to raise money for its 2023-24 recipients: Better Block, Boys & Girls Club of Springfield, Child Advocacy Center and I Pour Life.
