This weekend marks major shopping holidays with Black Friday at the helm, Small Business Saturday closely trailing behind and then Cyber Monday to round up the bunch. All around Philadelphia, shoppers can find localized businesses taking part in the annual occasion, but there’s one specific area of the city that goes all out.
East Passyunk is taking the idea of localized creators and turning it up a notch. As home to more than 160 independently-owned businesses, the popular South Philadelphia neighborhood will be offering a multitude of incentives to head to their neighborhood.
“This holiday season, people’s commitment to shopping locally can mean a world of difference for our independent business community,” explained Adam Leiter, Executive Director of the East Passyunk Avenue Business Improvement District in a statement. “When you spend locally, your dollar goes further, making a personal and positive impact that resonates through Philadelphia’s small businesses.”
On Saturday, Nov. 26 specifically, shoppers can join in on the Small Business Saturday festivities. The decorated area of the city will be offering seasonal goodies, sidewalk sales, and can’t-miss promotions throughout the day, along with some other activations.
Firstly B.Y.O.B. café Black ‘n Brew (1523 E Passyunk Ave.) will be offering its annual gift card deal (an extra $5 for every $25 purchased.) But as an extra incentive and a way to give back, visitors can also take part in the Positivity and Peace Holiday Gift Drive benefiting Women Against Abuse from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday.
Cartesian Brewing (1326 E Passyunk Ave.) is another local watering hole in the area offering a deal—on Nov. 26, shoppers can save 15% off their order by presenting proof of purchase from another local business. So while perusing through many of the local hotspots, Philadelphians can then indulge in a variety of brews from this new brewery with a little extra incentive.
One of those businesses you might show said receipt for would be Ill Exotics (1704 E. Passyunk Ave.) The family-owned specialty shop was made with the goal of providing quality captive-bred exotic reptiles and healthy houseplants from around the world to their customers. While shopping there this weekend, guests can expect 25-50% off select plants and reptiles on Small Business Saturday and are encouraged to bring photos of their existing habitat if planning to adopt.
For shopping and a show, visitors can head to Nice Things Handmade (1731 E. Passyunk Ave.) for The 12th Annual Ornament Show. The shop will showcase 30 local artists’ handmade ornaments, along with free limited-edition gifts with storewide purchases while supplies last. Then over at Occasionette (1825 E. Passyunk Ave.), the whole weekend is chock full of savings. On Nov. 25, 26 and 27, the first 50 people in the shop will receive a scratch-off with a prize, plus a $10 gift card for future purchases for every $100 spent.
Other SBS specials come from Latchkey (1502 E. Passyunk Ave.) where shoppers can show a receipt from Small Business Saturday purchases at any local shop on East Passyunk and get $5 off new vinyl records, and Super Loa (1746 E Passyunk Ave.) For the latter, this freshly-minted retailer is offering 25% off the entire store filled with handpicked CBD products from the best in the industry (and all certified organic).
This Small Business Saturday, East Passyunk Avenue also celebrates the addition of 19 new businesses along the mile-long corridor since October of 2021, according to a release. Those additions include Juana Tamale, Latchkey, MilkJawn, Cartesian Brewing, City Fitness, Mish Mish, Kouklet Brazilian Bakehouse, Super Loa, Whiplash Allure, Ocho Rios Parrilla and The Dutch.
And as the EPABID says, the opening of nearly two dozen new businesses along the Avenue grows the ample selection of restaurants, bars, services, and retailers to choose from.
And finally, to help shop smart and keep your buying small (in business that is,) the Keep Shopping Small: Holiday Edition montage video, directed by Joe Ronca of Keasbey & Mattison, has officially returned. The presentation features appearances from many of East Passyunk Avenue’s fan-favorite business owners and employees. The original video was created and filmed amidst the pandemic and as the release states it maintains a deep sense of the importance of shopping locally during the holiday season and beyond.
For more information about Small Business Saturday or for a complete list of businesses along East Passyunk Avenue, go to visiteastpassyunk.com
