Holiday shoppers seeking great buys will find them throughout Southwest Michigan, on Black Friday, Nov. 27, and Small Business Saturday, Nov. 28. Select merchants will begin their holiday sales on Black Friday.
“You will easily find gifts for everyone on your holiday shopping list from our merchants, restaurants and entertainment venues,” said Amy Zapal, executive director of St. Joseph Today. “From the latest fashions to locally made wines and candies, to gourmet foods, to award-winning toys and games to museum memberships to fresh-baked pet biscuits, you won’t be disappointed with all of your choices.”
Zapal said another appreciated present is a St. Joseph Today gift certificate, redeemable at participating member stores, restaurants and hotels. They can be purchased at the Welcome Center, 301 State St. and are good at over 80 different locations.
The team at Glik’s St. Joseph says, “Shopping small is a big deal. You support families, build relationships, grow the local economy and find personalized product and service special to your community. Everyone benefits.”
According to the Civic Economic Study in Grand Rapids, when someone spends $100 at a local business, approximately $68 stays in the local community. Melanie Owen and Lauren Kniebes, co-owners of Lazy Ballerina Winery, say shopping small is important to them because, “these businesses are how many people, including us, make a living. We want to support our neighbors and we enjoy knowing who we are supporting.”
Participants include 221 Main, Baroda Founders, Caffe Tosi, Chartreuse, DK Boutique, Elephants Breath, Forever Clean Soap Works, G&M Variety, Gallery on the Alley, Grins, HarborTown Interiors, Lazy Ballerina Winery, Oh My Darlings, Olive Cart, Perennial Accents, ReVive Spa, Silver Harbor Brewing, State Street Stuff, The Buck Burgers & Brew, The Toy Company, Third Coast Surf Shop, Waterfront Framing & Design, White Pine Winery, Wolf’s Marine, and many more!
Those in search of the perfect gift will appreciate unique selections, special prices and a festive shopping atmosphere this holiday season. Shoppers and diners alike will enjoy holiday music playing throughout downtown St. Joseph until December 25.
Additionally, new winter lights have been added throughout downtown St. Joseph. Amy Zapal, executive director of St. Joseph Today says, “St. Joseph Today, Southwestern Michigan Tourist Council, City of St. Joseph, Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber, and Cornerstone Alliance have partnered together this winter season to create a magical experience that will bring more consumers and business to downtown St. Joseph.”
The new winter lights have been placed downtown along State St. (from Elm St. to Ship St.) as well as Broad St. and Ship St. (Lake Blvd. to Main St.) and Pleasant St. (Lake Blvd. to Court St.) and will remain up through February in conjunction with Light up the Bluff.
Special thanks to Edward J. Todd for helping to bring this winter project to the downtown – Edward J. Todd is devoted to supporting the education of our local youth as well as supporting the growth of local businesses through community events.
For a list of shops, and Small Business Saturday specials, visit stjoetoday.com/shopsmall. Special thanks to Holt Bosse for sponsoring the local Small Business Saturday event.
Catch these upcoming fall and winter events:
Luminary: Friday, November 20 (5:00pm-8:00pm)
Window Wonderland: Friday, December 4 (7:00pm-8:30pm)
Reindog Holiday Parade: Saturday, December 5 (3:00pm)
St. Joseph Today is a 501(c)(3) membership-based organization dedicated to developing and promoting events and businesses in St. Joseph, Mich. and its surrounding communities. For more information about upcoming winter events and details call St. Joseph Today at (269) 985 1111 or visit stjoetoday.com.
