Wooster shops roll out cozy deals for Small Business Saturday

Saturday, Nov. 29 is a chance to have a big impact by shopping small.

Small Business Saturday is the Saturday after Thanksgiving each year, a national event to promote and support small, independent businesses. The timing was developed as a counterpoint to Black Friday, which often takes shoppers to big businesses, both in person and online.

In Wooster, with the promotion and planning of Main Street Wooster’s creative team, the event is more than an invitation to shop at small businesses. Main Street’s website says, “Shop cozy and small this holiday season in historic downtown Wooster!” Where does cozy come in? Shoppers are invited to shop in their favorite festive pajamas.

Special deals will be available to those shopping comfy in PJs. Additionally, customers who make a purchase at participating businesses will be gifted a free canvas tote bag (limited to one per customer while supplies last). Schaeffler is the sponsor.

The following discounts and treats are among the surprises that will great shoppers during Main Street’s shop cozy and small:

—Blue Spruce Boutique is offering a discount on regularly priced items.

—Crystal Lake Creatives will have a special booking discount and free sticker with purchase.

—Flex Yoga is offering a variety of discounts.

—Friendtique has a discount in store for shoppers.

—Jodi’s Closet will offer sales throughout the store.

—JK Gift Shop has Nora Fleming table top specials in the offing.

—Wear PJs to MacKenzie’s Silver Lining and get 20% off purchases.

—Olive Lane Oils & Vinegars will offer a freebie with purchase.

—Beef jerky and beef sticks will be on sale at Omahoma Bob’s Barbeque.

—Undergrounds Café & Coffeehouse will offer a hot chocolate special to shoppers in PJs.

—Wooster Floral and Gifts will offer a special with purchase.

Minglewood Distilling Company will host its third annual Jingle at the Mingle during shop small. From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., the artisan market will offer local vendors and cocktail specials. A food truck and food vendors also will be on-site.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce said on its website, www.uschamber.com, “Small businesses are the backbone of our economy. They create jobs, fuel innovation and keep our communities strong.”

Additionally, the chamber said small businesses employ nearly half of the American workforce and represent more than 40% of the country's GDP.