As consumers gear up for one of the busiest shopping weekends of the year, Michigan small businesses are offering a variety of events and markets to capture a piece of the holiday rush on Small Business Saturday.
Small Business Saturday last year was the second highest sale volume day in Michigan after Black Friday, the Michigan Retailers Association said.
However, only 23% of adults in the U.S. say they plan to do their holiday shopping at small businesses this year, behind destinations such as online at 57%, department stores, grocery stores, discount stores and clothing stores, the National Retail Federation survey found.
For those shoppers looking for ways to support local businesses this holiday shopping weekend, the Detroit Free Press rounded up Small Business Saturday-themed shopping events taking place on Saturday. All are in Detroit, except the last event at The Rind in Berkley.
Small Business Saturday in Corktown and southwest Detroit
The details: More than 20 vendors will be at Fantazma Market & Cafe offering clothing, accessories, food and art at the Detroit Hispanic Development Corp., hosted by Fantazma Market & Cafe in partnership with the Corktown and Southwest Detroit Business Associations. There also will be live performances throughout the day and opportunities to take photos with Santa.
What to know: Admission is free to the event, which runs from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Parking is available near Fantazma Market & Cafe and free shuttle buses will run from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. between southwest Detroit and Corktown, where attendees can visit shops in the area and the holiday pop-up shops at Michigan Central Station. Fantazma Market & Cafe is located at 1211 Trumbull St.
For more information, go to www.eventbrite.com/o/fantazma-market-cafe-66597208883.
Holidays on Grand River
The details: A dozen local businesses will have pop-up shops at the Grandmont Rosedale Development Corp.'s "Holidays on Grand River." There will also be food trucks offering everything from cinnamon treats to seafood and lemonade, a holiday-themed reading and poetry session at 3 p.m., a live music performance at 5 p.m. and a Christmas tree lighting ceremony at 6 p.m.
What to know: The event runs from 3 p.m.-7 p.m. Admission is free. The address is 19800 Grand River Ave. and parking is available along Grand River.
For more information, go to www.eventbrite.com/o/grand-river-workplace-36118279463.
Shop the Smalls Vendor Marketplace
The details: Shop for clothes, accessories, candles, skincare and artwork at Detroit Sip, a cafe in northwest Detroit. The first 75 customers will receive a voucher coupon.