Shop small in Sandpoint this holiday season
SANDPOINT — Forget the big crowds, try an old-fashioned, enjoyable alternative: Shop local this year.
Downtown Sandpoint is sparkling with holiday lights and cheer, and many local retailers have extended their normal hours. Walk leisurely from store to store where you can touch things, ask the salespeople how they work, get suggestions for unique gift possibilities and have it all gift wrapped while you browse. Greet friends and neighbors and top it all off with dinner at a local restaurant, followed by holiday entertainment at the Panida or The Hive.
On Shop Small Saturday, Nov. 25, retailers in the Sandpoint shopping district are offering up thousands of delightful holiday decorating and gift ideas. Discover the variety and richness downtown has to offer, and enter to win a gift basket at all the participating stores and restaurants. Each Saturday, kids can make a special art project at Creations, then visit with jolly old St. Nick from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the Cedar Street Bridge.
Get in the spirit on Friday, Nov. 24 at 5:30 p.m. in Jeff Jones Town Square when local officials flip the switch and Sandpoint’s Christmas tree comes to life. Greet Santa as he arrives by fire truck at 6 p.m. Sip hot cocoa and share the joy of being together.
Ladies, put Friday, Dec. 8, on your calendar. Get together with some friends and shop during Ladies’ Shopping Night from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. in downtown Sandpoint. Refreshments, specials, product demonstrations and more will be available at participating Sandpoint retailers.
OK guys. You’ve put it off till the last minute, so head downtown on Friday, Dec. 22 for Men's Shopping Night from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. You’ll get kid glove treatment with help selecting the perfect gift, gift wrapping, refreshments and more.
American Express launched the first Small Business Saturday on Nov. 27, 2010, to encourage people across the country to support small, local businesses. According to the Small Business Administration, there are several reasons to shop small on Saturday:
- More than 112 million consumers shopped at small businesses on Small Business Saturday last year, marking a 13 percent increase from 2015.
- The U.S. Senate unanimously passed a resolution recognizing Nov. 25, 2017, as Small Business Saturday, supporting efforts to encourage consumers to shop locally, increase awareness of the value of locally owned small businesses and highlight these businesses' impact on the U.S. economy.
- Consumers spent an estimated $15.4 billion in-store at independent retailers and restaurants on Small Business Saturday last year.
Finally, take the hassle out of this holiday season by focusing on what is most meaningful: family and community. For information about these events or the Sandpoint Shopping District, visit the Shopping District’s Facebook page.