INDstyle

Forget Black Friday

by Amanda Bedgood

I love to shop. I love a deal. I mean I love a deal. But, I am not alone in how "over it all" I am. The big box big sales and bigger lines rub this style-loving gal the wrong way.

I love to shop. I love a deal. I mean I love a deal. But, I am not alone in how "over it all" I am. The big box big sales and bigger lines rub this style-loving gal the wrong way. Add to that the realization that all those dollars going go far far away and I'm feeling more motivated than ever to keep it local. Enter Small Business Saturday. The anti-Black Friday in some ways.

"Shopping at chain stores is putting more money into the big wigs' pockets, not your son's friend's mom," says local boutique owner Vanessa Rothschmitt of Vanessa V. "Shopping local is why most people simply adore Lafayette over some 'cement city' because I'll walk into my favorite store or restaurant and be greeted by name with a genuine smile."

Estimates from the national Civic Economics group show that for every $100 spent by consumers who buy products and services from non-local businesses, $43 stays in town. Compare that with the $68 that stays within the community if you buy from a locally owned shop. While local businesses certainly work to stay in the game for Black Friday with extended hours and killer sales, the celebration of Small Business Saturday means great deals at local spots without camping out in a tent.

At Brother's on the Blvd. expect deals on sale items up to 75 percent off, 25 percent discounts on surprise women's items and a $20 gift card with every $100 in gift cards purchased. Small Business Saturday at Shoe La La means 15 percent off storewide with extra markdowns on certain items and brands along with longer hours — 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Kendra Scott jewelry is a great go-to gift for ladies on your list. From Brother's on the Blvd.

An entire initiative to promote local shopping — Shop Lafayette — has an easy-to-access list of local spots to hit up this Saturday (and all season long) to keep your dollars right here at home.