This upcoming Small Business Saturday, make sure to support small businesses! Our local economy depends on our continued support and purchases.
As Nerdwallet points out in their article: “The pandemic hit businesses hard. Roughly 200,000 additional establishments — mostly small ones — permanently closed between March 2020 and February 2021, according to a Federal Reserve report. That’s on top of the pre-pandemic rate of roughly 600,000 annual closures. Many surviving businesses are still at risk, due to factors like deferred rent payments and overdue credit card bills. Your patronage could give them a fighting chance.”
While support in the Merrimack Valley has been consistent, we can all do a bit more to support local businesses at one of the busiest and biggest shopping times of the year.
Here in the Greater Merrimack Valley, you’re sure to find cool, local items for your loved ones.
Mill No. 5 and The Shops
Address: 250 Jackson St, Lowell, MA 01852
An interior streetscape of historic architecture, Mill No. 5 is a center for dining, shopping and entertainment, as well as a working space for artists and start-ups. The building houses a farm-to-table café, an independent film theater, a live music and dramatic performance space, the Victorian Lounge, and a yoga studio.
Here are just some of the shops located in Mill No.5 and waiting for you this Saturday:
Curation250
Located in the fabulous Mill No. 5, Curation250 should be your first stop. With art prints by local and global artists, you’re bound to find unique art and art prints that will cover those bare walls. Curation 250 is part exhibit and part shop, so get some DIY inspiration by seeing eye-catching art or buy a piece of art that is just your best friend’s vibe.
Hive and Forge
Hive and Forge has one location located at Mill No. 5 in Lowell, their other location is in downtown Salem. No matter which one you visit, you’ll find an eclectic collection from local makers, creators, and curators. You’re sure to find some new items for your friends unlike any other.
One of these local curators is Serpentine Books and their antiquarian and collectible books.
A Little Bazaar
A Little Bazaar is a marketplace that sells “handmade goods, peculiar finds, andvintage commodities” by local creators.” Each Saturday, you can find various vendors with a ton of great merchandise. Sometimes there’s a theme for that day’s bazaar and so on those days especially you might find something truly unique.
Lowell Book Company
Head to the Lowell Book Company to pick up a book for the book worms in your life. Started by Kristen McDonie in 2020, the Lowell Book Company saw a need in the community for a local bookshop. Support this Small Business Saturday and pick up some of the most popular books in 2022 so far. With a large selection of books from various genres, you’re sure to find the right gift for your loved ones.
Pop Cultured
Pop Cultured is a shop located in Mill No. 5 and focuses on all things geek culture, MTG, gaming, collectibles, clothes, books and even costuming! You’re sure to find a great gift for the “geeks” in your life who love comics, anime, or even Marvel tv shows.
Sweet Pig Press
Sweet Pig Press is a boutique stationery shop that features greeting cards, prints, notebooks, and other paper goods made by various talented letterpress printers along with their own work. A perfect gift for anyone in school or interested in sending cute and stylish letters to family and friends.
If you’ve been thinking of starting your leather bound book collection, this is your sign.
The Tone Loft
For the music lovers in your life, heading to the Tone Loft in Mill No.5 is a great choice. This local music shop will offer a number of items practically made for the musician in your life.
Vinyl Destination
Vinyl Destination takes selling records seriously. As the name suggests, the owners Dave and Dan Perry absolutely love vinyl records. Buying them, selling them and always have. Who better to visit and buy a few records for your friend whose been obsessed with their turntable?
Brine Sporting Goods
Address: 69 Main Street Concord, MA 01742
Brine Sporting Goods America’s Oldest Family Owned Sporting Goods Store, established in 1867. The first James F. Brine, Inc. sporting goods store opening in Cambridge, but later moved to Concord, MA. This sporting goods store is a wonderful way to find fitness and sports goods for the athlete in your life.
Crafty Yankee
When you’re done at Mill No. 5, head over to the Crafty Yankee in Lexington. Update your home with fresh new scents like the Ella B candle named after Lexington. The signature scent carries notes of citrus, grapefruit, and evergreen. Among the other notable homeware goodies, get your best friend or family members a gift set of Beekman’s Honeyed Grapefruit Goats Milk Body Cream and Bar Soap.
They also have gifts sorted by occasion, so you can buy something specific for the men in your life or even the hostess of the next holiday party you’re attending.
Canal Street Antique Mall
Address: 181 Canal St # 7, Lawrence, MA 01840
Canal Street Antique Mall, an 18,000 square foot, 50+ dealer antique shop located in an old mill building offers a wide assortment of antiques including furniture, china and lighting. You’ll be sure to find what you’re looking for, and more this Saturday!
Flowers by Albert
Address: 591 Great Road, Littleton, MA 01460
For the person in your life who loves fresh flowers, consider ordering them a holiday bouquet from Flowers by Albert. They could be delivered to their home a few days before the holidays or even a gift card they can use whenever they’re ready to fill the empty vase in their cabinet.
“We choose only the freshest, highest quality flowers and our shop has a professional and caring staff to serve all your floral needs. Your gift will arrive beautifully presented and personalized with your message.”
Spring Brook Farm and Country Store
Address: 591 Great Road, Littleton, MA 01460
Supporting a small business and a family-run farm. Truly a perfect way to spend a Saturday afternoon. The Country Store is full of preserves and baked goods mingling along with fresh produce from their greenhouse operating year round. In addition to that, the store has antiques, candles, linens, and more that will entrance even the pickiest gift receiver when they open up a unique treasure bought from Spring Brook Farm Country Store.
The Thoreau Society Shop
Address: Walden Pond State Reservation, 915 Walden Street, Concord, MA 01742
The Thoreau Society Shop at Walden Pond is open year-round with daily hours that vary by season.
Shop staff members are knowledgeable about Henry David Thoreau, his contemporaries, the town of Concord, and the local flora and fauna. Most of them have written books in their areas of expertise.
The Shop carries primarily products related to: Henry D. Thoreau, Walden Pond, Concord and its historical authors, nature and the environment, writing and creativity, and related subjects. Merchandise includes books, apparel, artwork, cards, jewelry, souvenirs, gifts, and even drinks and snacks. Many of the books on the shelves have been signed by the authors. Many of the gift items and photographs come from local artists and residents.
This is a perfect way to visit Walden Pond during a beautiful, but different time of year and buy something for the literary historian buff in your life.
On Small Business Saturday, we hope you find the exact items you’re looking for for the loved ones in your life. Don’t forget though that gift cards are a tremendous help to a business so if you’re not sure what to buy for your best friend or even a co-worker, a gift card at any of the above establishments are a great choice!
