The busiest shopping weekend of the season is almost here. Ready to find the perfect gifts for loved ones while supporting local businesses? More than a dozen independent retailers and restaurants in Arlington and Falls Church will be dishing out deals, refreshments and giveaways on Nov. 25 as part of the Small Business Saturday Passport Program.
“Research shows that 68% of dollars spent at local stores remains in the local economy, so it’s good for all of us,” says passport organizer Eileen McGervey, owner of independent bookseller One More Page Books in East Falls Church.
Now entering its fifth year, the passport program encourages holiday shoppers discover unique boutiques and restaurants while keeping their dollars local. Stop by One More Page Books to pick up a passport ready for stamping, collect stamps from at least five participating businesses, and turn in your passport to be entered into a drawing to win one of three gift baskets loaded with goodies and gift certificates.
At Two the Moon in the Williamsburg Shopping Center, guests can enjoy a complimentary glass of mulled wine, sample the food and snacks the store has for sale, including gourmet popcorn and chocolate, and enter a raffle for a chance to win one of three prizes, to be announced Monday. The boutique will also have giveaways for anyone who makes a $100+ purchase from D.C.-based Scout brand bags.
Blossom and Buds, a Westover consignment shop specializing in women and children’s clothing, accessories and toys, will be offering a 20% discount off the entire store for Small Business Saturday. Similarly, Lemon Lane, an upscale children’s consignment boutique in the City of Falls Church, will offer 10% off in-store purchases.
Doodlehopper 4 Kids in Falls Church will offer double points for rewards members and is holding a raffle for two $50 Doodlehopper gift cards.
At One More Page Books, which also sells wine, chocolates and puzzles, the celebration will include a table full of free books, plus hourly raffles and an in-store scavenger hunt.
Other local businesses rolling out the red carpet include Covet, The Urban Farmhouse, Trade Roots, Botanologica, Preservation Biscuit Co. and Audacious Aleworks.
Passport program participants can bring their completed passports back to One More Page, or leave it with the last store they visit for the day. The drawing for the grand prizes will be on Wednesday, Nov. 29 at 3 p.m. at One More Page Books and the event is open to the public.
Founded in 2010 by American Express, Small Business Saturday is celebrated the Saturday after Thanksgiving. In 2011, the U.S. Senate unanimously passed a resolution in support of the observance, and by 2012, retailers in all 50 states were participating.