4 min read
Move over Black Friday. Small Business Saturday — a day celebrating the hustling small business owners who keep the retail market fresh and local — falls on November 24. It is a great way to get a head start on holiday shopping, while also supporting the local economy. Bonus: You’re in no danger of getting trampled by a mob racing to get 25 percent off a TV.
We’ve put together a list of local, female-owned businesses primed for patronage.
Olives & Grace
10 am–8 pm
623 Tremont St., Boston
Limited street parking, Back Bay T stop
Founded by Sofi Madison in 2012, Olives & Grace sources unique products by local makers — think cozy blankets and sassy greeting cards. This artsy, South End shop also puts together great gift baskets with Boston-centric products perfect for everyone from your out-of-state relatives to your new boss.
Ore
11 am–6 pm
681 Tremont St., Boston
Limited street parking, Mass Ave T stop
Ore sells custom-made jewelry, including engagement rings and wedding bands, delicate bar pendants and oxidized gold cuffs, crafted by local artist Sophie Hughes. The best part is they’re one-of-a-kind.
Castanet
11 am–6 pm
175 Newbury St., Boston
Limited street parking, Copley T stop
This funky consignment shop features a curated selection of resale designer goods. It’s one of the few spots on Newbury Street where you can get designer labels without a designer price tag. Swing by for a gift, or just spoil yourself with Chanel, and do so guilt-free.
Stitch House
10 am–6 pm
846 Dorchester Ave., Dorchester
Street parking available, JFK/UMass T stop
Boston City Councilor-at-Large Annissa Essaibi George channeled her lifelong love of sewing into her own local marketplace for handmade goods and crafting workshops. Pick up a hand-knit pair of mittens or supplies for your favorite crafter, or book a class to learn how to make them yourself.
Holiday
10 am–6 pm
53 Charles St., Boston
Limited street parking, Charles T stop
Jessika Goranson has been running this boutique in the ever-charming Beacon Hill neighborhood since 2002. The shop has its own collection of party dresses hand made in Massachusetts called “Pretty Little Thing,” but awesomely also sells goods by small, specialty fashion houses and designers.
Curio Spice Co
10 am–6 pm
2265 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge
Street parking available, Davis Square T stop
Having trouble finding Aegean sea salt at your regular grocery store? Don’t fret. Claire Cheney’s got your inner gourmet chef covered with her wide selection of ethically sourced spices and herbs from across the globe. Around the holidays, great gifts are found here, whether as individual, beautifully designed packages or a class to learn how to cook using unique flavors.
Forty Winks Lingerie Boutique
10 am–7 pm
56 JFK St., Cambridge
Limited street parking, Harvard Square T stop
Spoil yourself (and your partner) when you pick up a lacy little something to at Forty Winks Lingerie Boutique, which stocks creative undergarments sourced from designers worldwide. Designed for all body types, bra sizes range from 30A to 38H and silky pajama sets XS to XL. The shop also offers slips, petal tops and fashion tape to keep everything in place.
Follow the Honey
11 am–7 pm
1132 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge
Limited street parking, Harvard T stop
Get a taste of sustainably sourced honey and honey-related products here. In addition to raw honey, you can browse beeswax, honeyed chocolates, beauty products and books on the subject, all from all over the world. Grab a gift box or sign someone up for a subscription that allows its benefactor to try a variety of flavors and styles.
Salt & Olive
11 am–7 pm
1160 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge
Limited street parking, Harvard T stop
Salt & Olive offers over 50 varieties of olive oils and vinegars with no preservatives, additives or chemicals, so consider gifts for the foodies in your life covered. The Harvard Square shop also stocks salts (no surprise there!), organic spices, teas and gift sets. The tough part falls to you: choosing.
Brass Clothing
11 am–7 pm
85-B Northern Ave., Boston
Limited street parking, Courthouse stop on the Silver Line bus
Jay Adams and Katie Demo’s South Boston shopping space — a petite ‘guideshop’ aptly titled “Our Closet” — is as cool as their clothing. Brass features high-quality, professional apparel designed to fit you, including an extensive line of simple, beautiful garments that can easily create a capsule wardrobe. Schedule a pressure-free, personal styling appointment for you and the ladies.
