This time of year, national chains and big box stores spend a lot of money targeting advertising efforts toward holiday shoppers. And, while shoppers might expect a big company like American Express to help focus people toward the bigger stores with bigger price tags, the credit card company actually began a campaign in 2010 that favors mom-and-pop businesses.
Small Business Saturday, which takes place this weekend, has grown in communities and cities all over the country. Dover is no different and shoppers can expect to find everything from clothes and accessories to the handmade and the edible.
Here's a list to get you started:
ACORN BOOKS
Address 1030 Forrest Avenue, Suite 114
Saturday hours 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Info (302) 734-9100, www.acornbooks.org
New, used and bargain books, magazine and greeting cards. The first 20 customers to spend a minimum of $50 will receive a $25 American Express gift card. Regular sales will also be in effect: 10 percent off retail prices on many items and 40 percent off bargain books. Teachers and military discounts also available for qualifying purchases. Author Lacey Lafferty will also be signing her two books, "Delaware Horse Racing" and "Messages from a Mother."
BEL BOUTIQUE
Address 28 W. Lookerman Street.
Saturday hours 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Info (302) 741-2340, www.belboutique.com
Classic and contemporary clothing and accessories for women. The first 20 customers to spend $100 will receive a $25 American Express gift card. Free "shop small" tote bags will also be given away. Some sweet treats will also be on hand for hungry shoppers.
BEYOND DIMENSIONS
Address 59 S. Governors Avenue
Saturday Hours 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Info (302) 674-9070
American-made contemporary fine handcrafts as well as glass, pottery, jewelry and metal. Sign up to win a $25 gift certificate. Customers receive 10 percent off if they produce a receipt from another Downtown Dover shop. Light refreshments will be served.
BIGGS MUSEUM OF AMERICAN ART
Address 406 Federal Street.
Saturday hours 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Info (302) 674-2111, www.biggsmuseum.org
Rotating selection of art and fine crafts made by Delaware By Hand artist members. Museum members receive a 10 percent discount. For more information visit www.biggsmuseum.org or call (302) 674-2111.
DELAWARE MADE
Address 32 W. Lookerman Street
Saturday Hours 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Page 2 of 3 - Info (302) 736-1419, www.delawaremade.com
Items made in Delaware or related to Delaware, including apparel, souvenirs, pottery and ornaments. Ornaments will be on sale.
FOR DREAMERS GALLERY
Address 743 S. Governor's Avenue
Saturday Hours 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Info (302) 730-1234, www.facebook.com/fordreamersgallery
Gifts and handmade items made by 400 artisans from more than 40 states. All products made in the Untied States. Find one-of-a-kind jewelry, pottery, glass, accessories, soap and lotions. Sample in-store products like dips, cookies and homemade truffles. Pet the poodle on duty.
FORNEY'S JEWELRY STORE
Address 106 W. Lookerman Street
Saturday Hours 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Info 734-3425, Forney's Jewelry Store Facebook page
Locally owned and operated since 1921. Known for jewelry but sells much more, including watches, clocks, serveware and unique gifts. The first 20 customers will receive an American Express gift card and all customers will have a chance to win something all day. Refreshments will be served along with in-store entertainment.
FORNEY'S TOO
Address 102 W. Lookerman Street
Saturday Hours 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Info (302) 734-2425, Forney's Too Facebook page
Gift Shop that features popular gifts like Trollbeads, Vera Bradley, Tervis Tumblers, Lang Calendars, Kameleon and Waxing Poetic Jewelry, toys and more. Select Vera Bradley styles will be on sale 25 to 50 percent off. Ugly Dolls will be half off. Free Trollbeads bracelet with the purchase of a decorative clasp. Robert Rothchild gourmet dips and sauces will be available for sampling and tasting.
GOOD NEWS NATURAL HEALTH FOODS
Address 739 S. Governors Avenue
Saturday Hours 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Info (302) 730-1910
Full line of organic and natural foods, vitamins and supplements and fresh, organic produce. All customers visiting the store will be entered to win a free 10 pound Bell & Evans Fresh All Natural Turkey as well as a 10 percent discount on qualifying purchases. Discount cannot be combined with other discounts and excludes fresh produce. Natural and organic foods and desserts will be out for sampling.
HALPERN EYE
Address 885 S. Governor's Avenue
Saturday Hours 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Info (302) 734-5861, www.halperneye.com
Full service eye care including eye exams, glasses and contacts with a large selection of designer and fashion glasses, including Oakley, Maui Jim, Coach, Vera Bradley, Guess and Jones of New York. The first 20 customers will receive a $20 American Express gift card and hot drinks will be served.
Page 3 of 3 - H&H LIQUORS
Address 1107 S. Dupont Highway
Saturday Hours 10 a.m. to 12 a.m.
Info (302) 747-7590
Almost 3,000 square feet of spirits, wine and beer. There will be wine specials all day long: Buy three or more 750ml bottles of wine, receive 10 percent off. Receive 5 percent off any spirit by saying, "Hello" and "How are you?" Thirty packs of Miller Lite and Coors Lite cans will be $18.99. Twenty-four packs of Bud Lighte and Busweiser bottles will be $19.99. Free gifts with purchases of $5 or more.
MERLE NORMAN
Address 1030 Forrest Avenue, Suite 113
Saturday Hours 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Info (302) 736-1961, www.merlenormanstudio.com/mn-7421
Full service cosmetic studio with experienced staff. Full line of cosmetics, skin care, gift sets, magnifying mirrors and accessories. Free gift with purchase of $39 or more. Register to win a $100 Merle Norman shopping spree. Door prizes and refreshments will be served.
SUDS BAR SOAP AND ESSENTIALS
Address 31 W. Lookerman Street
Saturday Hours 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Info (302) 674-1303, www.sudsbarsoap.com
Handcrafted, artisanal bath and body products as well as all-natural soaps for all skin types. Every purchase of $35 or more will receive 10 percent off next in-store purchase. $1 chair massages, stocking stuffer guides and refreshments will also be available.
Partners in Design
Address 123 W. Lookerman Street
Saturday hours 10 to 4
Info (302) 734-9076, www.partnersindesign.net
Home décor and gifts. The first 20 customers who spend $50 or more will receive a $25 American Express gift card. Holiday treat refreshments.
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