The best deals for Small Business Saturday

By now, you should be prepping your stomach for Thanksgiving dinner and your wallet for all of the major Black Friday sales. But the deals don’t stop there! Show the mom-and-pop joints in your ‘hood some love during Small Business Saturday (Nov 26) and they’ll return the favor in the form of freebies and discounts.

RECOMMENDED: A full guide to Thanksgiving in NYC

Also, American Express (the creators of Small Business Saturday) is offering an extra perk for cardholders—free UberPOOL rides (up to $20)! This will make schlepping all your shopping bags home a bit easier.

There are A TON of deals and happenings going down in every borough and neighborhood this Saturday, but here are just a few of our favorite promotions.

Where to shop 

Union Square 

Union Square is hosting a free walking tour starting in Union Square Park at 2pm, where you'll receive a holiday shopping guide featuring all the small businesses in the area. All attendees on the tour will receive 10 to 20 percent off at one of the shops on the list. 

Chelsea

At STORY, owner Rachel Shechtman believes small businesses are a big deal (we do too). That’s why she’s hosting a Snack ‘n Shop with Carpe Donut NYC from noon to 4pm. While you browse for holiday gifts, enjoy decadent donuts and hot apple cider. While you’re already in the area, check out Shechtman’s awesome store recommendations.

Greenpoint, Brooklyn

Dusty Rose Vintage has gathered some of its favorite independent makers for a mini-market, including goods from creators such as Hi Wildflower Botanica, Haute Chocolate, Black Dress Wild Heart, This Way to the Circus and more. Sip free spiced cider (with “adult options,” too) while you shop.

Park Slope, Brooklyn

There’s a forest’s worth of tree-lighting ceremonies happening in New York, and it all starts with the Park Slope Fifth Avenue Business Improvement District’s celebration on Small Business Saturday. After perusing discounts and goodies at local shops during the day, take a moment to listen to some live music while gorging on seasonal treats. Make sure to bring the kiddos to pose for photos with Santa Claus, too. Fifth Ave and 4th St, Brooklyn (parkslopefifthavenuebid.com). Sat 26 6:30–8pm.

Fort Greene, Brooklyn 
Brooklyn Flea's Winter and Holiday market is joining the Small Business Saturday fun by offering treats and discounts at their new (er, well, original) winter location at Skylight One Hanson. You can also grab lunch from the Smorgasburg vendors while you're there. 

Astoria

Ready for a retail crawl? (Don’t worry—unlike a bar tour, it doesn’t come with a hangover). Shop owner Nicole Panettieriof The Brass Owl organized a special Small Business event during which shoppers can head to the chic boutique and browse discounts and nab a punch card that lists 11 kick-ass retail spots in the nabe. Hit up eight or more stores offering rad bargains, like Lockwood Style (33-02 Broadway, Queens) and HiFi Records (23-19 Steinway St, Queens), and you’ll be entered to win goodies such as vinyl, tasty treats and fashionable flair from each joint. Here are all the participating stores below!

Astoria Bookshop 31-29 31^st St.
Belief 24-01 29^th St.
The Brass Owl 36-19 Ditmars Blvd.
Broadway Silk 35-11 Broadway
Chateau Le Woof 30-02 14^th St.
The Geekery 42-11 Broadway
HiFI Records 23-19 Steinway St. 
Inside Astoria 28-07 Ditmars Blvd.
Jumping Bulldog 26-30 23^rd Ave. 
Lavender Label 29-03 23^rd Ave.
Lockwood 32-15 33^rd St.
Lockwood Style 33-02 Broadway
Loveday 31 33-06 31^st Ave
Petals & Roots 31-27 31^st. St.
QED 27-16 23^rd Ave.
The Stonework 37-06 Ditmars Blvd.
Toca Store 14-05 31^st Dr.

Where to eat 

When the shopping fatigue finally sits in, you’ll need to find some tasty grub ASAP. Restaurant recommendation site The Infatuation has partnered with a few of our favorite eateries to offer Small Business Saturday shoppers specials and new menu items from 3 to 6pm.

Pasquale Jones (187 Mulberry St)
Need to eat fast? This pizza shop is offering 1-hour “quick pizza” seating, which includes a pizza and a glass of wine.

Emmy Squared (364 Grand St, Brooklyn)
Start licking your chops—there’s a double stacked Emmy Burger and Emmy Pizza special.

Mimi Cheng’s (179 Second Ave)
There’s going to be an exclusive Taiwanese Gua Boa special.

Happiest Hour (121 W. 10th St)
Specialty item TBD.

Olmsted (659 Vanderbilt Ave, Brooklyn)
There will be an exclusive hot cocktail served in the back garden with brown butter popcorn with white truffle.