Shop Local in Cleveland Heights For Small Business Saturday

Big Fun owner Steve Presser says every day is small business day.

But there is at least one day per calendar year where local businesses get a special mention, and shoppers are urged to skip the big malls and visit the mom-and-pop stores.

It's Small Business Saturday, and it's this weekend.

Small Business Saturday, which is Nov. 24 this year, is “a day to celebrate and support small businesses and all they do for their communities,” the U.S. Small Business Administration explains on its website.

American Express gets the credit for founding the shopping holiday, which got its official start on Nov. 27, 2010, according to the Small Business Saturday Facebook page. 

Local businesses in Cleveland Heights provide a variety of holiday gift options — about a half a dozen business districts house stores that carry books, fair-trade gifts, cards, candles, scarves, handbags, clothing for all ages and sizes, toys for pets, chocolates and candies, toys, CDs, games and more. Browse our directory to search for Cleveland Heights shops.

Mayor Ed Kelley encouraged residents to choose the quaint, unique stores in Cleveland Heights over the big malls this weekend at the regular City Council meeting Monday, Nov. 19.

And he added that the City of Cleveland Heights is making holiday shopping here easy — parking in the city is free all weekend, Friday through Sunday.

Here are some businesses that shared deals and specials for the shopping holiday. Click on the links for location and contact information. If you or other business owners are offering specials, please tell us in the comments!

• Mac's Backs: Books on Coventry There will be a display of books specially promoted to indie bookstores for Small Business Saturday. Books in the display will be discounted 10 percent. 

• The Wine Spot The store will be open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. for Small Business Saturday. The focus is on holiday baskets highlighting great wine, champagne and beer and locally produced items such as chocolates, cheeses, coffee and unique wine and beer merchandise. Folks can come in to see the baskets and order them early for the holidays. They deliver and ship nationwide.

• Ten Thousand Villages Friday and Saturday the store is having a jewelry bogo — buy one, get one half off all jewelry. The more jewelry they are able to sell, the more artisans they are able to help. (The store sells fair trade items.)

• Blush Boutique 25 percent all items in the store on Saturday, open 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

• Simply Charming 20 percent off items storewide, including those on sale, for Small Business Saturday.

• The Open Office (Housed in the former Coventry School). The Open Office is hosting a Free Friday Nov. 23. People can work at the coworking space and enjoy coffee for free. And along with the get some free consulting and coaching, too. The Open Office has partnered with The Fairmount Group to provide business consulting and coaching services. Megan McKenzie from The Fairmount Group will be on site between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Friday to talk about any of the challenges you are having in your business including strategies, marketing, social media and more.

• Noble Jewelers 3925 Mayfield Road, Cleveland Heights (216) 381-5080. Noble Jewelers specializes in quality jewelry repairs and custom designs, and has been in the business for more than 25 years. This holiday season, enter to win a $200 Giant Eagle gift card with any $50 transaction. Drawing to be held Dec. 20.

• The Atma Center  On Saturday, buy a 15 class pass or better and get a gift of an Atma Center CD. Purchase a six-month or 12-month membership and receive a CD plus a free 30-minute private yoga class with Omkar.

• SpyngaFlows The yoga and spinning studio will offer classes on Thanksgiving Day and Black Friday to help de-stress and de-calorie. On Thursday, Carina will run the Super Duper Spynga Flow. On Friday, Carina will run a Hot Yoga session, and Bert and Leanne will offer a Super Duper Spynga Flow. All classes start at 9 a.m.