Small Business Saturday

Happy weekend! With the holiday shopping season upon us, there is one way we can all make a difference this year. Pledge to "Shop Small" today, and celebrate Small Business Saturday. 


November 26 is the second anniversary of this event, which was specifically created by American Express to celebrate small business in our local communities and invigorate local economies. Personally, I believe any opportunity to support small, locally owned business is a great thing - and that is even better (in my opinion, of course) when the business is female owned. 


Today, I encourage you to support small businesses. Get out and shop with the small boutique in your town. Purchase an item from a local craftsman or artist. Pick up that gift card from your favorite local restaurant, and treat someone on your holiday gift list to a fantastic dinner. 


I'll be shopping with two of my favorite boutiques. While one of them is not local - they are both female owned and are small businesses. My friends at The Beach House Boutique here in Gulf Shores offer a wonderful selection of gift items, as well as ladies clothing and accessories. They carry Lilly Pulitzer, Yellowbox, Carmen Marc Valvo, Tribal and many others. And even better, they are happy to ship so even if you're not at the beach - you can "Live The Beach Life"! I happen to know they have several pieces of Lilly's Fall collection already discounted. On top of that, Robin and her staff will be offering an additional 20% off store wide for Small Business Saturday. It might be the opportunity to find just what you're looking for, so be sure to check them out! 


My other favorite boutique is Village Palm, a Lilly Pulitzer Via store in Grosse Pointe, Michigan. Most of you will recall that I've blogged about Sarah and her staff many times. In addition to Lilly Pulitzer, Village Palm also carries Vineyard Vines, Vera Bradley, Fornash Jewelry, Smathers & Branson and many others. Right now, all Lilly Pulitzer Fall 2011 merchandise is on clearance. To celebrate Small Business Saturday, Village Palm is offering an additional 20% off clearance prices. There are also gifts with purchase available at several purchase levels (Lilly Pulitzer purchases), a super cute (and oh so handy!) measuring tape GWP with Vera Bradley purchases, and many other in-store specials and discounts. If you're looking for a particular item or just want to hear what Village Palm has going on, you can call, email or Facebook the store. They are happy to help!  


Contact information for both stores, see below:


Beach House Boutique
3800 Gulf Shores Parkway, Ste. 350
Gulf Shores, AL 36542
251-948-7467
email: robin@shopthebeachlife.com
Facebook: Beach House Boutique link HERE

Village Palm
17110 Kercheval Avenue
Grosse Pointe, MI 48230
313-882-7256
email: villagepalm@yahoo.com
Facebook: Village Palm link HERE
website: www.thevillagepalm.com

And if you plan to shop with your American Express card for Small Business Saturday, don't forget to register it online first HERE. When you register your card, then shop and spend $25 or more on your card at a small business on November 25, 2011 - you will earn a one time $25 statement credit on your card account. This is a fantastic incentive for all Amex card holders. (I'm not one of those - I swore off the credit cards years ago - this Shopaholic doesn't have much restraint). HA! 


Enjoy Small Business Saturday and Happy Shopping! If you make it to one of my favorite stores, be sure to tell them you're a friend of mine! Please let me know what you find...


P.S. Today is "Iron Bowl Saturday" in the state of Alabama. In state rivals Alabama and Auburn will play at 2:30 central time, and a potential trip to the BCS championship is on the line for Alabama. My nerves are going to be shot - but I'll be pulling hard for the Crimson Tide! Roll Tide Roll!