(WXYZ) — With Black Friday nearly over, the focus switches to Small Business Saturday, and retail experts say the economic troubles caused by the pandemic makes it more important than ever to support your neighborhood businesses.
Related: Find small businesses to shop at in metro Detroit
Small businesses all over metro Detroit are getting creative, hoping you'll shop with them this holiday season.
"It's difficult, whether you are a brick-and-mortar or you are in e-commerce, and that's why we wanted to create this space," Tee Capel with DOSE Collective said.
DOSE Collective is a pop-up shop on Woodward near Grand River in downtown Detroit. They're selling luxury items as well as Detroit-themed apparel from more than 20 local businesses, all in one space.
“We have some unique things that you can’t go into a big box retailer and purchase," Capel said.
Sometimes, a sweet treat can hit the spot, so try Spun Sugar, opening this weekend on Library St. with 15% off sales. They have organic and traditional candy as well as those items that cater to people with allergies.
“We are the first gourmet cotton candy company in Michigan. So, we are offering things that people don’t have," Mandy Tamborini said.
The Michigan Retailers Association says many local shops are trying to compete with big box retailers.
“A lot of stores will match the best deal, so it’s worth asking your local store, ‘hey will you match this?’" Meegan Holland with the MRA said.
As for safety precautions – make sure you wear a mask and keep a distance from other shoppers.
If you aren’t comfortable shopping in person, many local shops can accommodate you with delivery or curbside pick for orders made over the phone or online.
“A lot of smaller stores that were putting off going online, it nudged them to go online and start selling," Holland said.
Finally, if you’re not sure what to get friends or family but you still want to spend your dollars locally — buy a gift card.
