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BUSINESS

Your guide to Small Business Saturday

Holly V. Hays
holly.hays@indystar.com
The Indy Reads bookstore at 911 Massachusetts Ave. offers great deals on used children’s books.

With shoppers across the country gearing up for the holiday season, the National Retail Federation has predicted that sales in November and December are likely to increase 3.6 percent from last year, hitting nearly $655.8 billion.

Holiday shoppers will spend most of their time — and money — at department stores and online retailers, according to the NRF. Online shopping is expected to hit its highest point ever, up 6.8 percent from last year.

But if you want to walk off some of the turkey you're reheating for the umpteenth time after Thanksgiving, take a stroll through some of the local shops Saturday and celebrate Small Business Saturday. Here are just a few promotions planned in the Indy area:

Indianapolis

Broad Ripple

Broad Ripple Village will host five pop-up shops Saturday featuring the work of more than 60 local artists and small businesses, as well as promotions at several area restaurants. Shops will be located at 721 Broad Ripple Ave., 6323 Guilford Ave., 818 Broad Ripple Ave., 823 E. Westfield Blvd. and 6305 Carrollton Ave. Several other retailers and restaurants also will  have promotions throughout the day.

For more information, visit the Broad Ripple Village Association's Small Business Saturday Facebook page.

Mass Ave.

The Riley Area Development Corp. is coordinating this year's Mass Ave. Small Business Saturday event, partnering with local businesses for giveaways and promotions. Most stores will be open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., with many handing out swag bags to the first patrons in the store at opening.

Many Mass Ave. stores will feature promotions,  such as a buy-two-get-one-free sale at  Indy Reads Books;  discounts on fabrics, bundles and gifts at Crimson Tate; a 10 percent discount at Silver in the City; and buy-one-get-one suits at J. Benzal, just to name a few.

Irvington

The Irvington Business Association is organizing activities throughout the day, including visits from authors, giveaways, music and more. Bookmamas, which shares a space with Irvington Vinyl, will host author visits from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, while Geneva Hair Studio will have a 20 percent discount on almost all retail items, excluding certain lines.

Carmel 

Carmel City Center will host a Shop & Dine Local Passport to Savings event running through Sunday. Those interested can pick up a passport booklet at Hubbard & Cravens and Endeavor Boutique that includes special offers at participating stores and restaurants that can be redeemed throughout the week. It's also available to download online.

Participating businesses include 14 Districts Weekend, Addendum, Bath Junkie, beauty+grace, The Bike Line, blue bar, Carmel Tailoring, divvy, Endeavor Boutique, Fishman Fine Jewelers, House of Z, Hubbard & Cravens, InCycle, J.Benzal Menswear, Matt the Miller’s Tavern, Megan Danielle Skincare, Pure Concepts Salon, United Fidelity Bank and the Yoga Studio.

Fishers

The Shop Fishers, Shop Local campaign kicks off the shopping season on Saturday with a variety of deals at local retailers available for one day only.

Businesses with sales or promotions include Allisonville Nursery, Blue Peppermint, Blush Salon Boutique, Endurance House, Gallery 116, Painting With A Twist, Pure Eatery Fishers and Source Yoga.

Visit the city of Fishers website for a complete and updated list of retailers, and download the Nickel Plate District's mobile app to plan your shopping trips.

Noblesville

Downtown Noblesville will host the Shop Small and Shop Local campaign running Saturday to Dec. 17. For every purchase made at one of the participating businesses, customers will be entered to win a cash prize sponsored by Huntington Bank. The prizes, the values of which range from $25 to $100, will be given away Dec. 17.

Participating businesses include Adriene's Flowers & Gifts, A Corner Cottage, Kiln Creations, Linden Tree, Lil Bloomers, Little Gypsie Boutique, Logan Village, Love's Hangover, Karisma Boutique, Old Picket Fence, Nickel Plate Arts, Pam's Tea Shoppe, Shine Yoga & Wellness, The Ville Restaurant and Whimzy.

Shoppers can pick up information at any of the participating shops starting Saturday.

Noblesville Main Street also will provide a "community concierge" service from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday next to Matteo's on Main Street.

Not finding what you're looking for? American Express keeps a searchable list of more than 100 local small businesses.

Call IndyStar reporter Holly Hays at (317) 444-6156. Follow her on Twitter: @hollyvhays.

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