Where to shop on Small Business Saturday at local markets, stores in the Charlotte area
After the turkey dinner is over and the Black Friday sales are shopped, it’s time for another annual tradition: supporting local makers and small businesses on Small Business Saturday in the Charlotte area.
American Express founded Small Business Saturday in 2010 as a way to support locally-owned stores and retailers during the busiest shopping season of the year. Since then, it’s grown to a full-blown phenomenon — and there are plenty of Charlotte vendors and shops participating.
Here’s our guide to the best local Small Business Saturday events and area shops offering sales:
Christmas at Cabarrus Holiday Market
Location: 329 Mcgill Ave NW, Concord, NC 28027
At the Christmas at Cabarrus Holiday Market, more than 100 vendors will be on site for all of your small business holiday shopping needs. Make sure to stop by the Donut I Love You truck for a treat while you’re there.
DUPP&SWAT
Location: Camp North End, 1824 Statesville Ave.
At Dupp & Swat at Camp North End, vendors will join the shop’s retail and art offerings. Look for local creatives with one-of-a-kind works.
Hardy Boys Records and Comics
Location: Camp North End, 701 Keswick Ave, Suite 106, Charlotte NC 27206
Location: Inside Homestyles Mint Hill, 11237 Lawyers Rd STE 201, Mint Hill, NC
Location: Inside The Brass Grasshopper Matthews, 1325 Matthews-Mint Hill Rd, Matthews, NC
Screenshot a coupon from Instagram or Facebook and use it at any of the three Hardy Boys locations at checkout to get 20% off everything except for new records and turntables.
Huntersville Holiday Market
Location: Veterans Park at Main & Maxwell, 201 Huntersville-Concord Rd, Huntersville, NC 28078
From noon-5 p.m., shoppers will browse local vendors, snack from food trucks and enjoy live music at the Huntersville Holiday Market, set up by the town of Huntersville Parks and Recreation. Santa will be on hand for exchanging letters and taking pictures, too.
Light the Knights
Location: 324 S Mint St, Charlotte, NC 28202
Along with all ice skating, snow tubing and other holiday activities, vendors are set up for all your holiday shopping needs. The vendors are set up in the outfield portion of the Truist Field concourse, selling trinkets, baked items, clothing and more. Ticket prices vary, depending on activities. But admission starts at $14.37.
Local Bottle Shop
Location: 9 Union St N, Ste 110, Concord, NC 28025
From noon to 10 p.m., Local Bottle Shop in downtown Concord will be offering 15 percent off beer and cider cans to go, along with 20 percent off bottled wines to go.
Lost Worlds Christmas Market
Location: 19700-D One Norman Blvd., Cornelius, NC 28031
Browse the Lost Worlds Christmas Market to explore local makers on Small Business Saturday while you listen to live music from Heidi Sidelinker and snack from food trucks. A Bierstacheln experience will also take place — the German tradition uses a hot poker to caramelize malty beers, enhancing their flavor and texture.
North Carolina Christmas Extravaganza Holiday Market
Location: Cabarrus Arena & Events Center, 4751 State Hwy 49, Concord, NC 28025
The Christmas Extravaganza Holiday Market is turning Small Business Saturday into a weekend event that stretches into Sunday at Cabarrus Arena. From 10 a.m.-4 p.m. boutiques, crafters, woodworkers, artisans and glass blowers will show off their wares. Tickets are $7.
OMB’s Christmas Market
Location: The Olde Mecklenburg Brewery & Biergarten, 4150 Yancey Rd, Charlotte, NC 28217
Location: OMB at the Bowl at Ballantyne, 15025 Bowl St, Charlotte, NC 28277
What: OMB’s annual Weihnachtsmarkt kicks off on Black Friday and will be transformed into its traditional German-style Christmas Market at both locations — in Lower South End and at the Bowl at Ballantyne — on Small Business Saturday, as well. Huts will be placed around the biergarten for shopping. Get into the holiday spirit with music, lights, food, hot chocolate, Gluhwein and — of course — seasonal beer. Santa will be set up for photo ops from 2-5 p.m.
South End Shop Small Saturdays
Location: South End’s Camden Road from Atherton to Park Avenue
More than 120 small business vendors will line Camden Road from Atherton to Park Avenue. As you traverse through, snag a Shop Small Hero Card and fill it up by shopping with vendors or at participating brick-and-mortar retail to earn a South End tote bag The South End Market will also be happening nearby from 8 a.m.-3 p.m. at Atherton with 50+ vendors. Before you’re finished, stop in to the Design Center for Santa letters and photos, plus a hot chocolate giveaway.
Starving Artist Market CLT
Location: Prosperity Village Green, 5334 Docia Crossing Rd, Charlotte NC
Local artists and artisans will sell handmade goods at Starving Artist Market CLT’s Small Business Saturday pop-up at Prosperity Village Green. Look for candles, bath products, accessories, pet items and home decor, along with housewares and packaged foods.
VTGCLT Pop
Location: Camp North End, 301 Camp Road, Suite 101, Charlotte, NC 28206
VTGCLT Pop showcases handmade and vintage wares from more than 90 local and regional creatives and vendors at Camp North End, which is also offering ice skating and seasonal snacks at Camp North Pole.
Winter at Whitewater Market
Location: US National Whitewater Center, 5000 Whitewater Center Pkwy, Charlotte, NC 28214
From 10 a.m.-10 p.m., visitors can shop the Winter at Whitewater Market at the facility’s overlook. Freshly cut Christmas trees will be for sale, along with winter gear, holiday beverages and other gifts. While you’re there, you can hike the trails, ice skate and stop to grab a bite to eat.
