Sitting at home the weekend after Thanksgiving, eating leftover turkey and cranberry sauce between two slices of bread, you might feel an urge for some fresh air and retail therapy. But what to do?
Sandwiched (see what I did there?) between Black Friday and Cyber Monday is my favorite shopping-related holiday, Small Business Saturday. The idea was coined in 2010 by American Express, in an effort to support small brick and mortar businesses. Though you won’t necessarily find the steep discounts and doorbusters that big box retailers will be offering, you may find a new favorite shop and help their business continue to flourish in Columbus.
Here are 9 small business around the city to check out this Saturday, November 30.
The Smithery
1306 Grandview Ave
Grandview Heights, OH 43212
Open 11a-7p
After attending one of their “make and take” metal stamping events a few months ago, I’ve been hooked on this place. It’s the perfect shop to pick up a unique, handcrafted gift for someone you love, or for yourself. The Smithery has gorgeous jewelry made by local artists, including the shop owners themselves. You’ll also find unique pottery and accessories. In addition to being a rad store, it’s also a working metalsmith studio. In honor of small business Saturday, they’ll be offering 25% off select items and 15% off workshop registration.
Bonus stop: The Candle Lab (1255 Grandview Ave) 11a-8p
Pick up one of their signature scents or create one of your own!
CubShrub
749 N High St
Columbus, OH 43215
Open 10a-7p
For the well-dressed child in your life, CubShrub offers clothing and gifts that you won’t find anywhere else in Columbus. It’s hard to walk out of here without making a purchase, from cheery pennants for any room in your house, to baby crowns and glow in the dark puzzles, there’s something for nearly everyone. On Saturday, they’re offering an additional 25% off sale items, which means you can buy a children’s book as a gift, or an iron-on patch set for yourself, at nearly 50% off.
Bonus stop: Union Cafe (782 N High) 11a-2a
Try the “fancy-ass pickled eggs,” thank me later.
Gramercy Books
2424 E Main St
Bexley, OH 43209
Open 9a-9p
Independently owned bookstore centrally located in downtown Bexley. Gramercy has books for all ages, though I’m especially fond of their inviting children’s section. This Saturday, the store will be offering 15% off your entire purchase with a donation of a canned food item, benefiting the Mid-Ohio Foodbank. If you’re looking for gift ideas, they’ll have author-signed copies of local poet Maggie Smith’s “Lamp of the Body” and fiction writer Joe Hill’s “Strange Weather.”
Bonus stop: Kittie’s Cupcakes, accessible from within the bookstore. 8a-2p
The caramel apple chai-der is delicious, and, of course, the cupcakes are too.
The Farm Table on 62
3952 Broadway
Grove City, OH 43123
Open 11a-7p
If you haven’t been to downtown Grove City in a while, you are missing out. There are lots of shops, a new library, and a winery to explore. One of those shops, The Farm Table on 62, offers refurbished furniture, rustic decor and Ohio made foods. Knowing that the furniture here is one of a kind, sort of makes you feel like you’ve unearthed a treasure on “American Pickers,” but without all the digging.
Bonus stop: Transcend Coffee + Roastery (4050 Broadway) 8a-1p
Newly opened, you have the option to “build your own beverage” and create a customized experience.
CornerSmiths
1 S High St
Canal Winchester, OH 43110
Open 10a-4p
Great location in historic downtown Canal Winchester, CornerSmiths has an ever-changing inventory of shabby chic and rustic home items. Whether you’re looking for vintage-inspired prints or a new piece of furniture, they’ve got you covered. And, where else can you find galvanized magnet boards made from antique screen doors?
Bonus stop: Fantasy Cupcake (9 S High St) 11a-8p
In addition to their regular menu (hello, cookie monster cupcake!) they offer gluten-free options on Saturdays.
Kinetic Climbing & Fitness
717 Hadley Dr
Columbus, OH 43228
Open 12p-8p
A climbing gym for all ages, located in an industrial park on the west side of town. Good for beginners and experienced climbers alike, you can rent shoes or bring your own. The courses are constantly changing, so it doesn’t get stale, even after multiple visits. Mention “Columbus Navigator” on November 25, and you’ll pay just $10 for a day pass.
Bonus stop: Minelli’s Pizza (1189 N Wilson Rd) 11a-11p In a town with so many pizza options, this is the best, hands down. Plus, you’ll be hungry after all that climbing.
Fox in the Snow Cafe
1031 4th St
Columbus, OH 43201
Open 8a-5p
Go for the Instagram photo opp outside, stay for the delicious pastries inside. Need more convincing? Buttermilk biscuits with house-made jam, finished off with a hand-poured iced coffee. Swoon.
Bonus stop: Seventh Son Brewing Co (1101 N 4th) 11a-2a
Inspired IPA’s and a decent liquor menu if beer isn’t your thing.
Stump Plants
220 Thurman Ave
Columbus, OH 43206
Open 11a-6p
Plant selection at the home improvement store got you down? Did you miss the last plant sale at Franklin Park Conservatory? You’ll want to stop by Stump, not just for their cool selection of air plants and succulents, but to learn about plant care. Their primary focus is customer education, and if you don’t find what you’re looking for here, their staff is excellent in helping you figure out what you might want and where to find it.
Bonus stop: Brown Bag Deli (898 Mohawk) 9a-8p
Classic deli sandwiches with vegan and vegetarian options to boot!