By Gari Voss
Even with solid Black Friday sales and specials, the streets of Allegan were lined with vehicles belonging to shoppers taking advantage of Small Business Saturday on Nov. 30, 2024. Full parking spaces may have meant walking a couple of blocks to stores and shops, but once parked, there were treasures and information to be discovered.
No matter the business, the morning foot traffic was steady as customers enjoyed browsing shelves and racks then patiently waiting to check out their discoveries. Many businesses held over Friday specials to Saturday and others added to the mix.
The beauty of Small Business Saturday is that it can introduce residents and visitors to a wonderful variety of items that can be purchased year around.
Board & Brush Creative Studio. It had been a busy Saturday morning with creative customers at the Board and Brush. Jane DeJonge and Karen Laker tidy up workstations after the morning artists finished their projects.
The Shoppes at Penney’s Block – Allegan Floral & Gifts, Rebellious Rose and Sharon’s Quilts – had people examining the shelves and asking questions before making selections.
Just a Second was unpacking more boxes as their displayed inventory headed out the door. Customers could ask questions about treasures they found or inquire about the location of something they desired.
Tardy’s Underground. Down the Trowbridge St., Tardy’s Underground Comics & Collectables offered specials and invited customers to browse and ask questions about their many treasurers.
The Sassy Olive. Around the corner, The Sassy Olive blended Pink Saturday with Small Business Saturday, and customers enjoyed the many displays before purchasing and enjoying some mystery gifts. Attendants assist with making sure the customers received the special discounts.
Zenlightenment offered gifts specializing in massage therapy, reiki, life and spiritual coaching, yoga, and has added sound bathing. With the purchase of gift certificates, customers can surprise family members or friends with a unique present. The business focuses on healing services to promote a healthier life.
Hathaway Cottage & Gifts. The customers at Hathaway Cottage & Gifts had a bitter-sweet experience as this was the last day the business would be open. There were wonderful sales on their specialty items and gifts, but the ladies will be sorely missed as they close their doors on Locust Street.
Something Sweet for You not only offered sweets and gifts, but a spin-the-wheel game to win a gift. Life moved at a pleasant pace into the afternoon. Gift boxes of candy and assorted items can be purchased throughout the year.
Aubrey’s Closet. Strolling past Aubrey’s Closet found visitors taking advantage of sales.
A-Tech Computers also had a variety of treasures for the technology savvy and not so savvy along with gamers.
Cottage Arts & Eats. On the aniversary of being open for just 3 months, The Cottage Arts and Eats offered a variety of specialty gifts that included kits for young and old to create art and/or games. The featured artists were displayed for sale with some very unusual pieces using gems of all colors and shapes to create fascinating pieces. Then there was homemade cinnamon rolls and hot chocolate, but the eats also included a number of meals in a jar. With the ingredients, the purchaser could make a large pot of soup or cookies that could be taken home to make.
Beyond Bones had customers looking for specific pieces for their furry family members. Fun outfits to brave the cold weather, new toys, and special treats were examined and purchased.
Bear & Fox Yarn Den. Onto Brady Street, a stop at the Bear & Fox Yarn Den found Charles answering questions for customers. Black Friday had been busy, but Saturday morning was even busier. The Den has also been busy with Stitch Den Meet-ups on Thursdays from 11am-2pm, Saturdays from 1-4pm, Mondays from 4-7pm, and Open Stitch times.
The Merry Marketplace on Brady Street again offered pop-up shops in the mini-mall that is occupied by EccentricGarden and Flippin’ Vintage. Spaces where filled with unique jewelry, handmade stuffed animals, beautiful pottery, and more. Live music set the ambiance as customers examined the offerings, held conversations, and waited to make purchases.
For anyone who may have missed Black Friday or Small Business Saturday in Downtown Allegan, there are many more opportunities to take advantage of shopping adventures. Daily business hours and Festive Fridays will find businesses open right up to Dec. 24th.
