A group of small business owners, working in conjunction with the Charlotte Chamber of Commerce and the Small Business Development Center, are working on a way to transport holiday shoppers back to a point in time where people filled the downtown shopping district and a real sense of the holiday spirit filled the air.
They haven’t managed to craft a time machine just yet. Instead they have planned to recreate the mood and atmosphere one could find in downtown Charlotte before the advent of online shopping, mega malls and big box stores.
Small Business Saturday in downtown Charlotte takes place Saturday, Nov. 26 and to celebrate, this group of local business owners and organizations have teamed up to make it a community-wide event. Activities will take place throughout downtown between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., though store hours may vary.
Shoppers will find holiday specials throughout the downtown district, enjoy the harmonies of Christmas carolers ringing out in the streets and even have a chance to visit Jolly Ol’ St. Nick or have their picture taken with The Grinch.
“We want to bring that small town holiday charm back,” said Amanda Lipsey, executive director of the Charlotte Chamber of Commerce. “We’re providing a fun and festive holiday shopping experience downtown, all while encouraging people to support their local businesses.”
Santa Claus will be visiting Eddie’s Fast Handyman Service, located at 129 S. Cochran Avenue. The Groomery, located at 116 E. Lovett Street, will be offering a chance to get a holiday photo taken with your pet. Windwalker Underground Gallery will have live entertainment throughout the day in addition to offering an amazing selection of local art. Organizers are also putting together a “pop-up” shop at 119 S. Cochran Avenue for local vendors who do not have a brick and mortar business.
Eaton Theatre will provide a free screening of the Christmas classic, The Polar Express beginning at noon.
The event is also a chance for people to discover, or re-discover the many retail and service shops downtown Charlotte has to offer.
Bella Grande, a consignment shop for women’s clothing, is offering 20 percent off storewide on Saturday, Nov. 26. Owner Angel Fulkerson said shopping local is an amazing way to support the community.
“There’s a bond that’s created with my customers,” she said. “It’s important to really know my customers and what they’re looking for, and it’s important they know they are going to get that personal experience when they come in my store.”
The Yarn Garden will be offering a sliding discount sale that changes throughout the day and a chance to receive a free gift with a qualifying purchase.
Owner Lindsay Harmon said shopping local helps keep the community moving forward.
“What I really like about shopping locally is that I know who is getting my money and I know they are going to keep it local,” Harmon said. “That’s so important to really building your community.”
The Gaming Cantina, located inside CompleTech Specialists at 143 S. Cochran, has an array of tabletops games — such as Magic The Gathering — that you won’t find anywhere else locally.
The Hen House, located at 211 S. Cochran has a great selection of fabric and quilting supplies and will have store specials throughout the day. You can also learn more about the hand crank sewing machine group, which will be meeting throughout the day Saturday.
Other local merchants interested in getting involved in the Small Business Saturday event downtown can contact the Charlotte Chamber of Commerce.