Today is Small Business Saturday, and shoppers are encouraged to shop local.
Small Business Saturday is a shopping holiday created by American Express in 2010 to boost small businesses during the recession. Since then, it has become a cherished tradition that encourages shopping small on this day and throughout the year.
An open house kickoff is planned in Franklin to commemorate the holiday. Local retailers from Greenwood, Bargersville, Edinburgh and other small towns in Johnson County will also be participating in the big day, but no events are scheduled in those areas. In Greenwood, local organizations are encouraging residents to shop local and participate in the various sales offered by Old Town businesses.
Here are some of the big events held by local organizations and businesses during the shopping holiday.
Start here Open House
What: The Franklin Chamber of Commerce’s annual kickoff event. Those involved will be handing out tote bags containing store information, coupons and souvenirs from local businesses. The first 100 people will receive an envelope containing Chamber Cash, a coupon for discounts off purchases at 19 participating small businesses. Light snacks and refreshments will also be available.
Time: 10am to 12pm
Location: Franklin Chamber of Commerce, 120 E. Jefferson St.
Custer Baker Craft Show
Contents: Enjoy early Christmas shopping at the craft fair.
Time: 10am to 4pm
Location: Custer Baker Intermediate School, 101 State Road 144, Franklin
Shop’s small Saturday Christmas event
What: The first annual event at Apple Works will feature food, drinks, family selfie stations, live blacksmith demonstrations, and a Holiday Artisan Gift Market. Activities for children include writing letters to Santa and making food for the reindeer. Santa and Mrs. Claus will appear from 2 p.m. until 5 p.m. People can purchase a raffle ticket to win a gift basket filled with market items or purchase a freshly cut Christmas tree from Michigan.
Date and time: 10am to 8pm
Location: Apple Works, 8157 S. County Road 250 West, Trafalgar
Christmas in the Wild
What: Families can find the perfect Christmas tree while enjoying live music, hot drinks and more. You can also shop from The Wildes Mercantile.
Date and time: 1pm to 5pm
Location: The Wildes, 4919 W. County Road 300 South, Trafalgar
Cost: Tickets without tree are $55. Tickets with tree are $125. To buy tickets, visit thewildes.in.