Downtown vendors will be selling art, home goods and more as part of Small Business Saturday.
On Saturday, Nov. 26, holiday shoppers can find unique gifts and support local vendors as part of Small Business Saturday in Historic Downtown Plant City.
Small Business Saturday is a national initiative that began in November of 2010 as a way to promote the shop small, buy local movement. Annually, the event takes place the day after Black Friday.
In Plant City, artists Rebecca Nipper and Charlie Galvin will be hosting a sale at the Art Lounge Gallery. The gallery, comprised of a co-op of artists, features paintings, photography, jewelry and leather works made by local artisans.
While shoppers hunt for the best unique gifts, they’ll be able to enjoy appetizers and wine.
“We had a pretty good turnout here last year,” Nipper said. “And that was just from word of mouth and Facebook invites.”
Nipper and her husband, Galvin, will bring in a large portion of their collections to offer at discount prices to shoppers. Nipper will showcase three different jewelry lines, while Galvin will feature his leather purses and leather works.
Other artists in the co-op, including Eric Barber, Joe Simpson, Natalie Simmons and George Veazey, also will offer their art at sale prices.
“I’ll have at least 25% off of original art,” Nipper said. “Some will be up to 50% off. My sterling silver collection will be 15% off. I think almost everybody has some kind of special going on in here.”
Additionally, Galvin will be offering 15% markdowns on his regular items, and 50% off of his closeout items.
Shoppers who stop by the gallery on Small Business Saturday also will have the chance to peruse the gallery’s showcased artist. AfterBurnt, which specializes in handcrafted wood burnt art and leather burnt books, will have products for sale at the gallery until the end of December.
While local vendors hope to make increased profits on Small Business Saturday, sales are a way to thank loyal customers.
“It’s kind of like our thank you event to our patrons and people that have followed us for years,” Nipper said. “It’s a chance to see our neighbors, friends and family.”
Nipper added that the sale is a chance for shoppers to find the perfect, one-of-a-kind gift for friends and family members.
“If you think outside of big box stores, art is a unique gift that you won’t find someplace else,” she said.
Vendors will begin preparing for Small Business Saturday Friday, Nov. 25. While the gallery will be open, it is up to the individual artist to determine if they want to offer products at the Saturday sale prices.
“Some people may be able to sneak in Friday night and catch a glimpse,” Nipper said. “About six or seven artists will have stuff on sale.”
Contact Emily Topper at etopper@plantcityobserver.com.
