Small Business Saturday in St. Paul

While the masses are pushing and shoving in long lines at large retail stores on Black Friday, we'll be snuggled up in our lovely apartments watching a movie while preparing our shopping list for Small Business Saturday. This 'holiday' has only been in (official) existence since 2011, but it is quickly becoming a community favorite, and for good reason. The graphic below shows how and why it is so important to shop locally:

Shopping locally keeps money in the area, and that is essential for the continuation and growth of every neighborhood. Think of this as you wander around the flourishing Lowertown community, and feel proud knowing that you are one of the reasons that Lowertown is thriving!

Pioneer Endicott makes buying local a high priority for both residents and employees. In fact, we have recently developed a Pioneer Pass that gives residents perks for shopping locally. We also bring in only local food and drink at all Resident Socials, which is a fun way to taste-test from some of the different restaurants in town!

Fantastic pizza from Cossetta's at our Resident Social

We hope that YOU go taste-test some of these restaurants on Small Business Saturday, and we encourage you to do some of your Christmas shopping at Lowertown businesses while you're at it. To make it easier, we've rounded up a list of shops offering specials for Small Business Saturday. If you are aware of other businesses offering deals, let us know and we'll add it to the list!

Where to Shop on Small Business Saturday - Lowertown:

• AZ Gallery - Extended hours (9am - 5pm) and first look at the 2014 Holiday Bazaar! Guest artists will join the 10-member team, filling the gallery with holiday gift items, including a whole wall of handmade ornaments. American Express Card customers receive a 'Shop Small' canvas bag while supplies last.

• Black Dog Coffee and Wine Bar - Wines from Minnesotan vineyards: Alexis Bailly and WineHaven, at a special $5 per glass.

• Capitol Guitars - 10% off storewide, including special orders.

• Cocobear Boutique and Pet Care - $5 nail trims and 10% off storewide (excludes pet food).

• Details Style Lab - 50% off any services book and received on Saturday. 25% off any regular price salon/spa products and boutique items.

• F & B Specialty Linen - Holiday items on sale. Will continue through January 1st.

• Hamilton Ink Spot - Stop in to see printing demos and purchase new locally made products.

• Legacy Chocolates - The physical store will be closed, but you can receive exclusive discounts on their website.

• Mademoiselle Miel - Be the first to see new holiday packages! They will also be introducing a brand new product: Honey Hot Cocoa Bomb, which you can sample as you shop! 

• Revival Wine Beer & Spirits - 10% off all wine purchases.

• Rival House Sporting Parlour - A FREE beer upon showing receipt of a purchase at a small business in St. Paul.

• Vine Park Brewing - Purchase a gift card over $100 and receive 2 free pint glasses plus a grolwer koozie!

• Wescott Station Antiques - Everything on the shop is on sale! 20% off glassware, and 10% off everything else.

Extra Activities for Small Business Saturday in St. Paul

• Grand Opening Celebration for Wells Fargo Winter Skate at Rice Park. 4 - 6pm.
• Winter Courtyard at the Landmark Center. Stay warm while waiting for the Grand Opening Ceremony of the ice rink! 3pm.
• European Christmas Market. New to St. Paul this year! 10am - 9pm.
• A Victorian Christmas at the Alexander Ramsey House, (reservations required).
• Beaverdance: a Marxist Holiday Fur Trade Musical at Bedlam Lowertown. Option to make it a dinner theater experience. Purchase tickets here.  Show at 9pm.
• Minnesota Wild vs. St. Louis Blues at the Xcel Energy Center. Check out this blog post for tips on parking, eating, and attending a Wild game!

Have fun!