The lasting effects of the COVID-19 pandemic have caused a continuing struggle for our local businesses. Consider opting for your favorite local shops on Black Friday rather than big box stores and be sure to support local on Small Business Saturday, as well. Don’t feel comfortable venturing out to shop this year? Many local businesses are offering accommodations and precautions to ensure a safe shopping experience, whether in-person or virtual.
Here are just a few ways to safely support local businesses and makers this weekend and the rest of the holiday season.
Shop Online
The safest option is to stay home and shop online. Many Lancaster County businesses have online stores available and are able to ship to your home or offer in-store pickup. To name just a few:
Order online from Prussian Street Arcade and have it shipped or pick up your order in the store. Their retail location will be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Black Friday and from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Small Business Saturday.
Square One Coffee’s brick-and-mortar location is closed until further notice, due to a COVID-19 exposure. However, you can still support them by purchasing coffee, tea, brewing gear and SQ1 merchandise from their website.
Read Rose Books has many titles available for purchase online. They will be having a Cyber Monday Sale with free shipping on orders over $30.
Festoon has gifts for anyone in your life, including fashion, home décor and locally made goods. Shop online or stop into their downtown Lancaster boutique from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday or 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday. On Cyber Monday, get free shipping on all orders.
Utilize Curbside Pickup
Another safe option is to order from a business who offers curbside pickup. Simply order online and follow the business’ curbside pickup protocol for a safe, contact-free experience.
Olio Olive Oils & Balsamics has their selection of oils, seasonings and other cooking products available online. For curbside pickup, call 717-627-0088 to place your order. Their retail store is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Monday through Saturday.
Ellicott & Co. is offering contact-free pickup or free local delivery to addresses within 6 miles of downtown Lancaster. You can shop online or call in your order at 717-690-2505 during store hours. If you would like contact-free pickup, Ellicott & Co. will coordinate with you after you place your order. They will be offering 20% off of everything in stock until Monday, November 30. Use “BlackFriday20” at checkout if you are shopping online.
Aaron’s Books has plenty of options available online and offers in-store or curbside pick-up for orders. Don’t see the book you want? Aaron’s also accepts special orders for books that aren’t on their shelves.
Schedule a Private Shopping Session
Some local boutiques offer private shopping sessions to limit exposure and make sure their customers feel as safe as possible.
Sophie Stargazer Boutique offers free private appointments on Mondays and Tuesdays or outside of regular business hours. Their “Shop Small” promotions for this weekend will be extended to anyone who books an appointment for next Monday or Tuesday.
Schedule a private shopping appointment (either in-person or virtual) at My Aunt Debbie by calling 717-693-3042 or messaging them on Facebook. The store will be open on Black Friday and Small Business Saturday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Book a 30-minute shopping appointment at Telltale Dress through their website. You can also shop online or visit their location from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.
Visit a Makers Market
These makers market events and specialty gift shops can be a one-stop shop for holiday gifts.
Forty Elephants Vintage & Handmade Market will be held at the Park City Center in the old BonTon space on Small Business Saturday and the following Sunday. The market will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on both days. There will be over 100 vendors selling vintage clothing, crafts, art, jewelry and much more. Goodie bags will be given away to the first 50 people in line each day.
Creatively Lancaster Makers Market will be held at Clipper Stadium from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Small Business Saturday. Support over 45 talented local vendors selling their unique wares. Food trucks will be onsite.
Visit the Maker Takeover Market at The Shops @ Rockvale from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Black Friday to shop from over 50 local artists and makers. Food and wine trucks will be onsite.
Building Character and Madcap & Company will have extended hours on Black Friday (9 a.m.-9 p.m.) and Small Business Saturday (9 a.m.-8 p.m.). The number of customers inside the store may be limited at times to ensure social distancing.
Look Out for Special Offers or Giveaways
Keep an eye on social media for giveaways or special offers this weekend. Here are a few we found:
Downtown Manheim will be giving away a gift basket to one lucky shopper. Spend a minimum of $5 at each participating location (Prussian Street Arcade, Mill 72, Divine Consign and Horst Arts) and receive a punch on your card. Once you get all four businesses punched, you’ll be entered to win the gift basket. Punch cards can be obtained at any of the four businesses. Purchases made on Friday and Saturday will count.
Rolled Cold Creamery will be giving away a hot drink with every $15 purchase on Small Business Saturday.
Renewal Kombucha will be giving away a free growler cozy with any purchase of $20 or more on Sunday, November 29. On Black Friday, take 20% off all kombucha purchases. On Small Business Saturday, they will double loyalty points on all purchases.
On Small Business Saturday, bring a receipt from any local business to Tellus360 and they’ll give you a free show and a beer. They will also be having a buy one, get one half off sale on their gift cards. The event starts at 3 p.m.
Tiger’s Eye in Lititz is having a Pre-Holiday Sale up until Nov. 30. Beat the rush and save 20% storewide. They are open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays.
Order Take-Out or Dine at a Local Eatery
While you are out and about shopping at your favorite boutiques and specialty retailers, don’t forget to show your favorite restaurants, coffee shops and bakeries some love too. Be sure to check for holiday hours before you go.
Above all, remember to treat retail and restaurant workers with kindness and grace.
Local businesses are doing their best given the circumstances. Be sure to respect safety rules and guidelines, exercise patience and treat employees with kindness.
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