Black Friday, no doubt, offers a lot of great deals for holiday shoppers. However, there's another tradition that is gaining traction-Small Business Saturday, which falls on November 24th this year. There's no shortage of local shops and restaurants in the Madison Area, and they can offer a great shopping experience, unique gifts, and great deals this Holiday Season.

Monroe Street shops would love for you to visit them this Small Business Saturday and throughout the Holiday Season. They've compiled a list of their shops and restaurants and deals being offered. Stop in at participating Monroe Street shops, restaurants and service businesses for a chance to get a canvas Shop Small bag and other prizes!  

Madison retailers want to offer an experience that you can't get at the big box stores or by shopping online.

In an article by WKOW, local business owner Carol Schroeder (Orange Tree Imports) knows she can't compete with the online presence of some of the major online retailers, but has more to offer shoppers by providing them an experience. Schroeder explains,  “A lot of shopping is not about the commodity,” she said. “It’s not that you go out and need a certain item. It’s you want the experience of browsing and delighting your senses by seeing what’s out there, maybe finding just the right gift by being inspired by the selection.” She also says, “Instead of trying to compete online, which we know is a game we can’t really win, we’ve tried to up our game for customer service, selection,” she said. “Making shopping an experience is something we can offer that an online business can’t do.” 

I know this season I'll be shopping online and at big box stores, but I'll make sure to add local businesses to the mix. I know that will make the people on the receiving end happy! There are so many great gifts to find at our local Madison Area shops!

In Madison, State st. , Capitol Square , Monroe St. , and Willy St. are great places to start. Surrounding towns all have great downtowns/main streets that offer a great shopping experience. Get a coffee and pastry from a local coffee shop or grab some lunch from a local restaurant and make a day of it!

Happy Holidays all!