I’ve had a couple of folks reach out asking if HWB would be offering any sales or specials on Small Business Saturday, and I wanted to explain my decision and expand on my earlier post regarding the capitalism olympics. Small Business Saturday was started as a response to Black Friday’s financial windfall for big chain stores, and a way for shoppers to recognize the impact of small businesses within communities… and to show their support for said small businesses. Beyond the obvious things like generating sales tax and job creation, small businesses often give back to their communities in other ways as well— in the past year alone, our family business has been privileged to support multiple local and regional nonprofits through donations, fundraisers, and sponsorships, including arts and literacy programs, environmental and civic organizations, and community events. We are privileged to operate the way we do, certainly, but this work is not without challenges. As artisans who make our work by hand, we recognize that with our limited margins we cannot compete with the chain store’s Black Friday sales or those Cyber Monday deals from a certain e-retailer monopoly.* Ultimately, that’s why we hope folks will join us in shopping small this Saturday. It’s when we ask that folks support something we believe in, and that we work towards year-round: community.
Shopping this weekend? I recommend coming early if you’re interested in snagging those fast-selling products like Baba Yaga and Changeling. Otherwise, you can still shop for all of your favorite magical miscellanies and handmade botanical goodies in-store;** and online orders should be placed by Thursday December 15th to guarantee a December 25th delivery.
* To those individuals really hoping for sales, I understand that there are a lot of financial pressures on folks this time of year, and I wish I was in a position to accommodate everyone’s needs, but, ya know, I’m working on boundaries… 😉
** Please note, we are closed Wednesday 11/23 and Thursday 11/24 for a family gathering, and will reopen Friday 11/25 at 10 am. Regular shop hours are Wednesday – Saturday, 10 am – 5 pm, and Sunday, 11 am – 4 pm.
