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Who needs Black Friday when you have Shop Small Saturday?

Shop Small Saturday was started by American Express in 2010 as a response to the recession to help out small businesses that were struggling due to the economic downturn. The recession of that time can’t hold a candle to how the COVID-19 pandemic has hurt businesses, especially small businesses that don’t have the resources to hang on much longer. If ever there was a time that small business owners need your support, it’s now!

Shop Small Saturday is always the first Saturday after Thanksgiving and this year it falls on November 28. Sarah Rose, co-owner of Tehachapi Natural Market, is putting together a shopping extravaganza at the business she runs with market owner, Teresa Dunlop.

“I’m super excited about what we are going to be doing at the market as well as getting other Tehachapi Business owners on board,” Sarah said. “I’ve spoken to three other business owners who will be open that day with shopping specials and hope to get commitments from at least seven more that they will have their doors open and ready to serve! Each business will have info and a map to the other stores participating in the event.”

Tehachapi historically has cold and dreary weather the weekend after Thanksgiving. The unwelcoming weather plus the fact that many small businesses take a four day weekend for themselves, results in a not so friendly shopping environment. Sarah wants to change that. “I want to encourage business owners to be open, plus I’m watching the weather forecasts closely. If the weather is decent we will be hosting another vendor parking lot event. I have vendors on standby just waiting for the green light to set up,” she said. “But even if the weather is nasty, we will not be deterred. We will have plenty of things going on inside to make it worth coming in.”

What “things” exactly will be happening at the market, located at 20221 W. Valley Blvd.?

“We have artwork, crafts and other amazing products from over 30 local vendors,” Sarah said. “Everything from tie dye apparel to soaps and candles to local honey and apples, jewelry and more. We will have price-point gift baskets made up or we can do custom baskets to meet a budget. Our gift wrap station will be set up. We’ll have hot soups and other yummy treats to eat.”

One of the highlights of the day will be Glen Larsen, of Larsen Wellness, providing alternative and holistic health services.

“Glen is an amazing human being and healer,” Sarah said. “We were honored to have him here for two days during our last event and we are so looking forward to him coming again and sharing his knowledge and healing with more of our customers.”

Mark your calendars for Shop Small Saturday, November 28, and join in on the fun!