Small Business Saturday is an American shopping holiday held during the Saturday after Thanksgiving in the United States during one of the busiest shopping periods of the year. This Saturday is always the last one in November, so it falls between November 24 and November 30.
Shop Small Saturday and every other day!
First observed in the United States on November 27, 2010, Small Business Saturday is a counterpart to Black Friday and Cyber Monday, which feature Big Box retail and e-commerce stores respectively. By contrast, Small Business Saturday encourages holiday shoppers to patronize brick and mortar businesses that are small and local*. Small Business Saturday is a registered trademark of American Express. (The first event was created by American Express).
*See: Eat Local, Drink Local, Be Local with Joe Talentino
On Saturday, 27th, 2021, I took the opportunity to visit Jacksonvilles urban core and the historic neighborhood of San Marco to show my support for small and local businesses. My first stop was at locally owned, San Marco Books and More for their ‘Small Business Saturday Author Extravaganza’. The weather and the company could not have been more pleasant!
The very first author I spoke with was veteran writer Julie G. Delegal, author of the book “Seen”, told, in part, from the perspective of veteran homicide detective John Marshall, Seen is the story of two men struggling to define their lives in a world all too eager to write their roles.
*See: “Of Ax Handles and Olive Branches-By Julie G. Delegal“
Other authors at the event included:
10am-12pm: Julie Delegal, Judith Erwin, Aaron Woodson, Patty Everett, Becky Cummings, Steve Kramer, Chip Kirkpatrick
12-2pm: Leah Cunningham, Michael Riggs, Aaron Tyler, Joni Roberts, JaneCondon/Carol Grimes, Michael Regina, Dick Erickson/Danny Murphy
2-4pm: Petika Tave, Erin Mah, Kara Joseph, Dottie Fletcher, Kathy Desclefs, Deborah Lucovich, Heather Hausenblas
4-6pm: Pamelia Wright
*Many of the authors that we have come in contact with have asked that if at all possible, please shop at your local bookstores. Books written by most of the authors listed here can be bought online at San Marco Books and more, at this link, and at other local retailers.
My next stop on this beautiful Saturday morning was at Kalypso Couture, offering the finest custom tailored clothing in Northeast Florida, located at 211 Laura Street in Downtown Jacksonville. Owners Michael Armanno and his fiance Bethany Russell are two of the nicest people you’ll ever meet and their quaint little shop is a must see and shop for fine tailored clothing.
Another one of the very nice things about this space is the Armanno has begun to incorporate art installations by some very talented artists to adorn his walls. While I was there, and brand new installation was being brought in. The new work is by artist extraordinaire Kimberly Luft., a.k.a Gomi Girl, as part of First Wednesday Artwalk.
Past artists include Leilani Leo and Wendy Means, and Armanno is actively seeking new artist to collaborate with.
Next stop was on the riverfront for the ‘904 Popup’. The largest small business Saturday event in collaboration with the City of Jacksonville. When they say ‘the largest’ they weren’t kidding! It was a curated pop up featuring over 200 creatives and 15 food trucks and was TOTALLY FREE to attend!
What an awesome day spent in Jacksonvilles beautiful urban core and historic San Marco. Many more pictures can be seen on our Facebook Page. Feel free to check it out and share with your friends. Again, We encourage all of our friends to Shop Small/Local all year ’round.
Until next time, Peace.
