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BIRMINGHAM — The Birmingham Shopping District is celebrating its small businesses with its lively Small Business Saturday event Nov. 26-27.
The Saturday after Thanksgiving has been a big day for small businesses every year since American Express established Small Business Saturday in 2010 as a way to bring customers into small businesses during one of the busiest shopping seasons.
During Birmingham’s two-day event, customers will receive a $25 Birmingham Bucks e-gift card for every $100 spent at the Birmingham Shopping District’s many local retailers and restaurants.
Over 70 retailers and restaurants will be participating in redeeming the Birmingham Bucks e-gift cards.
“Small businesses are the backbone of our communities,” BSD Public Relations Specialist Erika Bassett said. “When you shop at a small business, you’re not only supporting that local business but also making a significant impact on the local community.”
Bassett said nearly 70 cents for every dollar spent at a local business stays within the community.
“Small businesses have local employees. They support neighborhood groups and contribute to a unique sense of place within the community,” Bassett said.
Barbara Boz Boutique, a local store selling unique jewelry and accessories, has participated in this event for years.
“We are having lots of beautiful pieces on sale, and many things are going to be double marked down,” Barbara Boz said.
Boz said this event is traditionally an amazing weekend.
“It gives us an opportunity to thank our customers for being such great patrons over the course of the year, and we offer them an amazing sale, which is literally a short-lived sale, so it really gives them the incentive to come in and have fun,” Boz said.
Holiday activities
The Small Business Saturday event also marks the beginning of Birmingham’s festive activities around the city.
“It is a really fun day to showcase downtown Birmingham, our businesses and kick off the holiday season,” Bassett said.
The community is invited to welcome Santa to town by walking him to his home in Shain Park. The Santa Walk will begin in the parking lot of the Surnow Building and will go through downtown while making stops at shops on the way. This will take place 9:30-10:30 a.m.
Following the Santa Walk, Santa House will be open in Shain Park until 4 p.m. Families can make appointments all season long to visit Santa. More details on dates and times are on the BSD’s website.
Free horse-drawn carriage rides will be available starting from Shain Park 11 a.m.-3 p.m. These rides will be first-come, first served all season as well.
Hazel’s will be providing free hot chocolate 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at a tent at the corner of Maple Road and Old Woodward Avenue.
Guests are welcome to park for free in downtown municipal structures.
More information about the event can be found at ALLINBirmingham.com.
