Each holiday season, there tends to be a large focus on corporate chain stores — especially on Black Friday. As we gear up for the gift giving season, we often flock to those places which are most visible — the ones we see advertisements for every single day.
To fight back, Small Business Saturday began in 2010 in an effort to show support for local makers and entrepreneurs across the country. On November 26 this year, help us celebrate Fort Collins’ small businesses and #ShopLocal!
To make it easy, we created a guide for our favorite spots in town that will be offering specials. You’ll find local places to buy clothing, art, Colorado-themed gifts, tea and more! Plan out your shopping trip using our interactive map and get out to support local this season.
Akinz
Photos courtesy of Akinz / Brianne Janae Photography
Small Business Saturday Hours: 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Specials: Akinz will have hot beverages available in store for customers, and will be offering buy two, get one free gift certificates in $25 increments. There will also be discounts on gift bundles and an in store raffle to win a $100 gift certificate!
Akinz products are sold across the country and are all made right here in their Fort Collins flagship store. Not only do they print their own t-shirts, but they make all of their beanies by hand.
Alpine Arts: The Colorado Showcase
Small Business Saturday Hours: 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Specials: Alpine Arts will be giving away a free Colorado flag or Colorado Mountain tote bag with every purchase over $20. You can also sample locally made candies and beverages in store!
Alpine Arts has been offering local products and handpicked items in the historic Avery Building since 1981. Their family owned and operated shop is filled with clothes, jewelry and amazing gifts for every Colorado native and fan!
Blue Harvest Apparel
Photos courtesy of Blue Harvest Apparel
Small Business Saturday Hours: 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Specials: Get 15% off any full price item at Blue Harvest Apparel.
Blue Harvest Apparel offers lifestyle and clothing products perfect for any woman this holiday season. They specialize in premium denim, simple basics and one-of-a-kind treasures with an assortment of Colorado necessities.
Brand Spanking Used Thrift Store
Small Business Saturday Hours: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Specials: Stop in on Small Business Saturday to check out the deals at Brand Spanking Used!
Brand Spanking Used offers both new and gently used clothing. One of the most unique shops in the area, the owners have coined the term “thrift-ique” to describe it — both boutique and thrift store. Best of all, store proceeds benefit the RamStrength Lubick Foundation so you can shop local and help our community.
Clothes Pony
Photo courtesy of Clothes Pony
Small Business Saturday Hours: 9:30 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Specials: Come in Friday, Saturday or Sunday! Clothes Pony will be offering 15% off everything in the store all weekend.
Owned by sisters Jenny and Becca, Clothes Pony & Dandelion Toys is a children’s shopping haven. With clothing, accessories and toys, you can stock up on adorable necessities while the kids play!
Happy Lucky’s Teahouse
Photo courtesy of Happy Lucky’s Teahouse
Small Business Saturday Hours: 9 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Specials: Happy Lucky’s has a few different options to celebrate on Saturday. When you buy a teapot or tea set, you’ll get two free ounces of loose leaf tea. With the purchase of a $50 gift card, you’ll get a $5 gift card to treat yourself, and when you spend $30 on loose leaf tea, you’ll get a free tea-to-go!
Happy Lucky’s Teahouse has been in business for seven years in Old Town. November 18 – 20, they are celebrating the grand opening of their second location at 2720 Council Tree Avenue #166. Now, Small Business Saturday will include another local small business at the south end of town!
Ku Cha House of Tea
Small Business Saturday Hours: 10 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Specials: Ku Cha House of Tea is extending their tea voting celebration to all Small Business Saturday participants. Vote on your favorite tea online or in store before Thursday, November 24 and you’ll receive a 50% off coupon for the winning flavor. Come in Friday or Saturday to taste it for yourself!
Ku Cha started in 2005 in Boulder. When they moved to Fort Collins, they brought along years of tea experience and knowledge, as well as a plethora of loose leaf teas and tools to brew it!
Magnolia Moon
Photos courtesy of Magnolia Moon
Small Business Saturday Hours: 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Specials: The first 15 customers on Small Business Saturday will receive a swag bag filled with snacks, freebies and coupons to keep you going all day. And everyone who shops on Saturday will get buy two, get one 50% off and 30% off markdowns.
Magnolia Moon offers unique, versatile, and affordable apparel and accessories for women and men. There’s a little something for everyone at Magnolia Moon, so the entire family can shop together!
Mugs Coffee Lounge
Small Business Saturday Hours: 6 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Specials: Make a stop at Mugs on Saturday to see their festive discounts!
McCabe Callahan opened Mugs in his final semester at Colorado State University in 2002 and it has been locally owned and operated by him and his wife ever since! In classic Fort Collins style, they believe in empowering our community, as well as shopping and supporting local.
RusticThread Boutique
Photos courtesy of RusticThread Boutique
Small Business Saturday Hours: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Specials: At RusticThread, get complimentary styling for all your holiday outfits on Small Business Saturday. Additionally, they’ll be offering 20% off holiday gift items both Friday and Saturday!
RusticThread Boutique is a California-meets-Colorado style fashion boutique in the heart of downtown Fort Collins. They have a passion for helping women feel great while looking effortlessly chic. Dress yourself up for the holidays or stock up on stylish gifts!
St. Peter’s Fly Shop
Small Business Saturday Hours: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Specials: For every $100 spent at St. Peter’s on Saturday, you’ll get a $10 gift card for yourself!
St. Peter’s Fly Shop is the premier fly shop and outfitter in Northern Colorado and Southern Wyoming. They believe fly fishing is a lifestyle and offer the best knowledge, experience and equipment to ensure you (and the fly fishers in your life) get the best this holiday season!
Storm Men’s Shop
Photos courtesy of Storm Men’s Shop / Holly Jones
Small Business Saturday Hours: 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Specials: Storm Men’s Shop will be offering 15% off one regular priced item on Small Business Saturday. You can also register to win a West Third Brand body wash and lotion with a festive Christmas ornament.
With the creation of Storm Men’s Shop, Traci Gendron and her son, Tanner, are on a mission to raise awareness for Cystinosis. All proceeds from the store go to researching and finding a cure for this little known incurable metabolic disease. Shop men’s clothing, shoes and accessories, and support a good cause!
The Crooked Cup
Small Business Saturday Hours: 7 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Specials: The Crooked Cup will be offering buy one get one free on all specialty lattes for Small Business Saturday. Mention this post to get a warm drink for yourself and your shopping buddy!
This classic FoCo coffee shop offers incredible specialty coffees as well as a full bakery. It’s the perfect place to warm up and get a treat while you’re shopping for the holidays!
The Cupboard
Photos courtesy of The Cupboard
Small Business Saturday Hours: 9:30 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Specials: The Cupboard will be celebrating Small Business Saturday with various specials on cutlery and cookware!
At The Cupboard, they believe the kitchen is the heart of the home and it should be filled with the decor and appliances to prove it. Stop by for expert advice, top of the line products and specialty food to fill your cabinets this season.
Walnut Creek
Photo courtesy of Walnut Creek
Small Business Saturday Hours: 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Specials: To celebrate Small Business Saturday, Walnut Creek will have a drawing for a $25 gift certificate. Additionally, you can get up to 50% off on select furniture and merchandise. Take home a free gift with any purchase of $50 or more!
Walnut Creek is an eclectic mix of artisans, crafters and goods located in the historic P. Anderson Mercantile Co. building. Nearly everything in the shop is one of a kind — perfect for incredible and memorable holiday gifts!
Walrus Ice Cream
Small Business Saturday Hours: 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Specials: Take a break from shopping on Saturday with a $4 Hot Fudge Saturdae at Walrus Ice Cream!
Founded in 1987, Walrus Ice Cream uses only the finest all-natural ingredients in their homemade ice cream. While you’re there, you can also pick up a sherbet, sorbet, fruitage or low-fat yogurt!
Where will you #ShopLocal?
As you shop locally on Small Business Saturday, remember to share the love with all our independent shops and restaurants. Every time you buy locally, you put money right back into our community. So spread cheer and show your support during the whole holiday season!
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