Small Business Saturday 2023: Shop local along these 8 'Main Streets' in Bucks County
Wenjing Ding and Michele Haddon, Bucks County Courier Times
8 min read
The holiday season is upon us, kicking off the biggest shopping weekend of the year.
And with that, several towns throughout Bucks County are gearing up for Small Business Saturday, which takes place this year on Nov. 25, in the hopes of attracting customers to locally owned stores and restaurants.
“Small businesses support the local community year round. They employ local people, support local charities, teams and events, and rely heavily on holiday sales,” said Bill Pezza, president of Raising the Bar, Bristol Borough’s economic development group.
"Small Business Saturday is a great way for the community to ensure that they and their main streets remain vibrant," he added.
State and Main streets in Doylestown Borough have a number of local shops ideal for holiday shopping. Plus, there are several hidden gems to explore on many of its side streets and alleyways, too.
And while the focus of Small Business Saturday is to urge shoppers to invest in their local communities, it comes with many perks for those who decide to shop small, as many local businesses mark the day with special offers, events and other fun extras to enhance the experience for their customers.
To help you start off your holiday season right, we’ve compiled a list of must-shop Main Streets across Bucks County:
Mill Street in Bristol Borough
Karena Mazur, (left), goes window shopping with her daughter, Makenna Mazur, 4, along Mill Street in Bristol Borough, on Wednesday, Dec. 1, 2021.
Need a good jump start to get into the festive mood? Visit Mill and Market streets in the historic district of Bristol Borough and browse specialty retail shops, antique stores and art outlets, all while enjoying the sights and sounds of their annual Christmas Parade starting at 1 p.m. Saturday. The parade starts at Simon and Schuster on Farragut Ave (right near McKinley Street) and heads down Farragut/Pond Street, makes a left onto Mill Street where it ends at Radcliffe.
Enjoy the holiday lights at Peddler's Village, where you can shop local at more than 60 specialty stores.
Stroll along winding brick paths and enjoy the holiday lights, as you search for the perfect gift in Peddler’s Village. With more than 60 specialty shops — including clothing boutiques, toy stores, candle sellers, bookstores, art galleries and candy shops— you’ll breeze through your holiday shopping list.
For the foodies in your life, there are plenty of options ranging from the Jalepeño Ranch Popcorn Seasoning at Savory Spice to the Key Lime Honey at Sticky Situations. Got kids on your list or someone with a playful imagination? Check out the large selection of books, games and toys at Jazams and the Lahaska Bookshop. Or take fantasy wizardry and witchcraft to the next level at The Cloak and Wand, where you can explore magical items, like potion kits, spell books and enchanted plants.
Be sure to take a quick break and visit the Gingerbread Competition Display to take in the artistry of more than 75 creative gingerbread entries across eight categories, ranging from traditional gingerbread houses to movie set reproductions.
Decorations adorn Commonplace Reader Bookstore on Yardley's Main Street on Thursday, Nov. 17, 2022.
Explore historic downtown Yardley along Main Street and Afton Avenue, and it won’t take you long to understand the appeal of starting your holiday season in this small town that makes you feel like you’ve stepped right into a Hallmark movie.
No doubt Yardley has established itself as a popular dining destination, with its few small shops tucked neatly between its many eateries and historic Victorian homes. So, why not treat someone on your list to a day out on the town with a combo of gift cards for eating, drinking and shopping at some of the town’s local spots, such as Krysset Artisan Boutique, Charcoal BYOB, Sauce Yardley or Panna Gelateria and Bakery?
Browse the shelves of Commonplace Reader to find a great read for your favorite bibliophile or pick up some new bike accessories for the cyclist in your life with help from the knowledgeable staff at Firehouse Cycles. Got a fashionista on your list, check out Gianna Rose Couture.
Sellersville's Cultural District
The Washington House Hotel & Restaurant sits at the center of Sellersville's cultural district.
If you haven’t been to Sellersville in a while, it is worth a trip back to appreciate the town’s growing Cultural District.
Want to give your loved one a mini vacation? Then book them a night at the Washington House Hotel, paired with dinner at the Washington House Restaurant and a show next door at The Sellersville Theater, a live music and comedy menu featuring national and international performers.
Downtown Doylestown
Toys line the shelves at Busy Bee Toys, as shoppers head out to support Small Business Saturday in Doylestown Borough on Saturday, November 27, 2021.
Downtown Doylestown buzzes with activity, hosting a variety of independent stores that promise a distinctive shopping experience. While State and Main Streets house many shops, hidden gems await exploration along its side streets and alleyways, too.
For that person who seems to have everything, Allora Gifts and Home Décor is is filled with charming, quirky and sometimes snarky gifts, and Monkey’s Uncle celebrates Philly sports pride with its retro-inspired apparel.
Nestled along the river, New Hope is a haven of quirks, history, and festive vibes. This holiday season, visitors can explore numerous art galleries, eateries and restaurnts, local shops and the theater.
Shop New Hope’s thriving arts scene, boasting shops that run the gamut from local like Goose Creek Pottery and Red Tulip Gallery to the international like African Masks Plus and Gallery Piquel.
While the arts have largely made New Hope famous, the town’s shopping district has diverse offerings, including Nightbird Vintage Clothing, The Catwalk for all-occasion gifts, and Farley’s Bookshop on Main Street, a bookstore serving the community for over 50 years.
Downtown Perkasie
America’s Oldest Tree Lighting Ceremony is scheduled for 5pm-8pm on Saturday December 2nd.
Perkasie, with its historic charm, has continued to grow its town center with unique shops, antique stores, artisanal bakeries, and specialty gift boutiques.
Grab a gift for someone on your list who loves offbeat items, such as the funky apparel and accessories at Threddie’s or one of the vintage collectibles at Treasure Trove. Bloom Flower Co, known for its floral expertise, also offers a range of gift items such as greeting cards and candles. Chimayo Gallery, a unique art gallery, showcases the work of local artists, featuring paintings, sculptures, jewelry, and photography. The 2023 Perkasie ornament will be available there beginning Black Friday.
Treat a loved one to a night out with a gift card to Maize, where they can enjoy a multi-course dining experience by Chef Matthew McPhelin. Or for the beer lover in your life, give them a taste of one of Walnut Street's three craft breweries with a gift card from Mystic Ways, Free Will and Van Lieus.
Downtown Newtown
Chelsea Mitchell, of New Hope, examines the quality of an old vinyl record, that a customer wishes to sell, at the Newtown Book and Record Exchange, during Small Business Saturday in Newtown, on Saturday, Nov. 28, 2020. [NANCY ROKOS / PHOTOJOURNALIST]
Newtown’s town center offers a mix of distinct shops and restaurants along State Street and neighboring roads to help you with your holiday shopping.
Find vintage paperback novels and vinyls at Newtown Book & Record Exchange. Head over to Alternative Dimension Toys and discover a unique gift for the anime fan and Funko Pop collector on your list. Newtown also has its share of thrift and consignment shops to explore, including Dress to the 9s, where you can find deals on designer goods and Milk Money.
Have a junior chef in your kitchen? Sign them up for a cooking class at Silly Spoons.
