After families gather on Thursday for Thanksgiving and hit the stores for Black Friday shopping, next up on the calendar is Downtown Augusta’s Small Business Saturday Crawl. Look for the stars at participating shops on November 30, between 10:00 am and 4:00 pm.
You can start the experience with Augusta & Co., 1010 Broad Street. They’re giving the first 150 shoppers complimentary locally designed canvas totes and Crawl maps. Each of the sponsoring businesses is also donating items and gift cards for gift baskets. Participants can enter to win a gift basket with each purchase at one of the 15 locations on the Crawl list.
According to John Porter, Downtown Soul City Director, this year marks the 4th annual Small Business Saturday Crawl, and more businesses have joined the event. Porter says, “This year, we’re thrilled to include several restaurants and cafés in the crawl. Each participating business will be offering something unique for the community to enjoy.”
Tara Wood, Media and Communications Coordinator for the Downtown Development Authority of Augusta says, “Small Business Saturday is a vital boost for the local economy in downtown Augusta, fostering community spirit and keeping dollars circulating within our neighborhoods. By supporting local shops and services, residents contribute to job creation, unique offerings, and the vibrant character that makes our city thrive.”
For Three Crows Fiber, this will be their first foray into the annual event. The shop opened in early September and features all types of knitting and crocheting fibers. Their owners are excited to participate.
“We look forward to featuring some specials and serving refreshments to customers both new and familiar. After a few slow days following Helene, our business has picked up again. Every day is exciting,” said one of the owners, Becca Talley.
During the last three months of the year, small businesses see waves of new customers both in-person and online. These shoppers are highly engaged and looking for reasons to visit or buy. This makes the holiday season a terrific time for small businesses to capture people’s attention and grow their customer base.
Participating merchants for this year’s Small Business Saturday Crawl include Augusta Candle Company, Augusta & Co., Boll Weevil, The Book Tavern, Buona Caffe (Reynolds St.), Farmhaus Burger, FIELD Botanicals, Grantski Records, Laziza Mediterranean Grill, The Morris Museum of Art Gift Shop, New Moon Cafe, Tacocat, Tiffinie Bleu Bridal, Three Crows Fiber, and Urban K9. The Small Business Saturday Crawl is sponsored by Augusta & Co., the Kru, Mod Ink, and Westobou.
Editor’s Note:
Mitzi Oxford is a veteran broadcaster and features writer who also worked at the same television station in Columbus, Georgia as Augusta’s Brad Means! If you have a South Carolina story idea for Mitzi, please email her at mitzioxfordcreative@gmail.com.