Shop like your city depends on it. <\/p>\n
In an ever-evolving New York, one thing remains the same, against all odds \u2014\u00a0we\u2019ve got some of the greatest, most unique independent businesses on earth. And Small Business Saturday is one of the biggest days on the calendar for these cornerstones of Big Apple life \u2014\u00a0a full-on celebration of neighborhood hustle. <\/p>\n
Falling on the Saturday after Thanksgiving each year, the event was first created by American Express in 2010<\/a>, to shine a spotlight on mom-and-pop retailers, restaurants, and service providers amid the start of holiday shopping frenzy \u2014\u00a0steering more than $200 billion in revenue their way since, according to data.<\/p>\n NYC small business owners like Caroline Weaver of Locavore Variety Store in Greenwich Village rely on Small Business Saturday and the holiday shopping season for a majority of their income, Weaver told The Post. Kim Max for N.Y.Post<\/p>\n A decade and a half on, the day has become as iconic as Black Friday \u2014\u00a0and all over Gotham, shops will be rolling out special deals, festive events, and exclusive finds, whether you\u2019re strolling the streets looking for inspiration, rushing out to buy gift cards, or even just shopping online from city-based businesses.<\/p>\n \u201cSmall Business Saturday is a great chance to slow down, browse local options, and stretch your holiday dollars in meaningful ways. A little intention goes a long way in helping neighborhood shops thrive,\u201d said Matt Schultz, an analyst at LendingTree, which found in a new survey<\/a> that a majority of Americans plan to participate in the event this year. <\/p>\n That\u2019s good news for shop owners like Caroline Weaver, owner of the Locavore Variety Store<\/a> in Greenwich Village \u2014\u00a0where the next few weeks are among the most important of her financial year.<\/p>\n \u201cSo many small businesses make the majority of their income during the holiday season and really rely on local shoppers,\u201d Weaver told The Post. <\/p>\n Besides running her eclectic corner shop stuffed with finds, Weaver has spent years on a citywide treasure hunt, scouring the five boroughs and logging nearly 14,000 stops since 2021 to produce the Locavore Guide<\/a>, a pocket-sized cheat sheet<\/a> showcasing 670 of the city\u2019s coolest indie shops.<\/p>\n Here are four of Weaver\u2019s current favorite NYC neighborhoods for a holiday gift buying adventure \u2014\u00a0each with a high density of finds in multiple categories. <\/p>\n \u201cYou don\u2019t have to be great at gifting if you\u2019re surrounded by great shops \u2014 we\u2019re so lucky in New York to have so many world-class retailers to choose from,\u201d she said. <\/p>\n Greenpoint<\/p>\n Autumn Costner works at Greenpoint\u2019s Store Called Store, a gift shop that\u2019s a trinketcore fanatic\u2019s dream. Stefano Giovannini for NY Post<\/p>\n Have a trinketcore fanatic<\/a> on your gift list? Weaver says to head straight to Store Called Store<\/a> at 141 India St. \u2014 a delightfully unhinged little wonderland stuffed with witchy wares, retro oddities, and the kind of treasures only a true knickknack addict could love.<\/p>\n Think Mattel\u2019s Mystique Fortell tarot cards from 1969, cartoon-bright stickers, and vintage blow-mold panda banks straight out of your childhood bedroom. Run by local artist Kelly Adelia, it\u2019s a nostalgia-drenched trove where the weirder the find, the better the gift.<\/p>\n You can then head to Brooklyn Craft Company<\/a> at 165 Greenpoint Ave., which Weaver calls a \u201csupremely fun craft supply store with lots of kits and gifts for anyone who\u2019s crafty.\u201d<\/p>\n Carolyn Heitmann\u2019s cozy craft nook is basically catnip for anyone who loves to make things from scratch. Inside, you\u2019ll find everything from yarn and fabric to embroidery floss, sewing notions, and every DIY doodad your Pinterest board has been begging for. <\/p>\n Local artist Kelly Adelia runs Store Called Store, a nostalgia-drenched trove full of weird and wonderful finds. Stefano Giovannini for NY Post<\/p>\n She even hosts hands-on classes \u2014 knitting, stitching, sewing and more \u2014 for anyone ready to level up from \u201cI saw it on TikTok\u201d to \u201cI actually made this.\u201d<\/p>\n Next stop: Eastern District<\/a> at 1053 Manhattan Ave., where Sam and Sami Shah serve up artisanal cheeses, tap-filled growlers, toasty sandwiches as well as craft brews \u2014 and gift baskets big enough to impress your in-laws.<\/p>\n Weaver says that the shop \u201chas all sorts of pantry items, many of which are local or hard-to-find and they do fabulous gift baskets.\u201d She adds that \u201cit\u2019s great for host gifts.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n After enjoying the world of cheese and tasty sandwiches, you can browse Cueva<\/a> at 49 Franklin St., where you can find \u201ca stunning selection of clothing and accessories,\u201d according to Weaver, as well as \u201cgreat independent menswear designers.\u201d<\/p>\n You can\u2019t shop Greenpoint \u2014\u00a0or visit Greenpoint at all \u2014\u00a0without a refueling stop at the busy Peter Pan Donut & Pastry Shop, one of NYC\u2019s most beloved of its kind. Stefano Giovannini for NY Post<\/p>\n Justin Felizarri\u2019s shop is a treasure trove of independent and international designers, handpicked for style, originality, and serious craftsmanship. <\/p>\n Need a sugar pit\/ refuel stop? Swing by the beloved Peter Pan Donut & Pastry Shop<\/a> at 727 Manhattan Ave. <\/p>\n Owned by Christos and Donna Siafakas, this retro bakery serves up donuts, milkshakes, egg creams, and NYC classics like black-and-white cookies \u2014 all ready to eat at the counter or take on the go.<\/p>\n Lower East Side<\/p>\n A customer browses Clark Chung\u2019s November 19, a home and gift shop on Orchard Street on NYC\u2019s Lower East Side. Stefano Giovannini for NY Post<\/p>\n Your LES crawl should start at November 19<\/a> at 37 Orchard St., Weaver says. This gift-and-home-goods hotspot (owned by Clark Chung) stocks everything from jewelry and ceramics to vintage threads and treasures from international artists \u2014 like pug mugs, latte-scented incense, hand-painted paisley bandanas, and more quirky, beautifully crafted finds.<\/p>\n Weaver calls it her \u201cpersonal go-to for gifts\u201d as they have \u201clots of treasures from Japan and all over Europe for the table, the bathroom, for kids, and lots of unique fashion accessories.\u201d<\/p>\n Next, head next door to Sweet Pickle Books<\/a> at 47 Orchard St. \u2014\u00a0the only bookstore in New York where your dog-eared paperbacks can score you\u2026 pickles.<\/p>\n Founded by Leigh Altshuler, this gem lets you trade in your used books for jars of bread-and-butter, dill or spicy spears.<\/p>\n Leigh Altschuler\u2019s Sweet Pickle Books on Orchard Street swaps your unwanted used tomes for jars of pickles. Tamara Beckwith<\/p>\n Each month, they post on social media what they\u2019re accepting (philosophy, fiction, romance, sci-fi) and what they absolutely are not (sorry, cookbooks and parenting guides). <\/p>\n Loyal customers happily hand over their reads for free jars of the shop\u2019s cult pickles, though you can also buy them in-store or online for about $9.50 to $12.95. <\/p>\n And if you\u2019re just here for a good book? Don\u2019t worry \u2014 the shelves are packed. Weaver says the place \u201csells such an eclectic selection of secondhand books, you\u2019re sure to find something impressively tailored to the interests of the recipient.\u201d<\/p>\n Next, toast the day at Magazzino<\/a> at 83 Henry St. \u2014 the wine shop where French finesse and Italian flair meet for a New York rendezvous.<\/p>\n November 19 on Orchard Street is a gold mine of eclectic treasures from around the globe. Stefano Giovannini<\/p>\n The shelves are stacked with everything from crisp whites and flirty ros\u00e9s to bold reds, bubbly champagnes, fizzy sparklers, plus vermouth and amaro for the cocktail snobs. <\/p>\n It\u2019s basically a Euro vacation in a bottle \u2014 no passport required. \u201cMagazzino is a gorgeous wine shop that sells specifically wines from small producers in Italy and France,\u201d Weaver says. <\/p>\n Celebrate your shopping successes with a treat at Economy Candy<\/a> at 108 Rivington St. \u2014 the LES\u2019s sugar-slinging time machine where self-control goes to die.<\/p>\n With more than 2,000 goodies on deck, you can load up on everything from chocolate-covered grahams (jelly optional) to pretzels, jelly rings and gummies galore.<\/p>\n Elbow Bread sells golden loaves of challah that make a great holiday host gift \u2014\u00a0the shop is a focal point of the trendy Dimes Square micro-neighborhood near the Manhattan Bridge. Stefano Giovannini<\/p>\n The place is a bona fide NYC legend. It started as a shoe-and-hat repair shop with a humble candy cart out front \u2014 but when the Depression hit, the sweets started outselling the soles. By 1937, the cart became a full-blown candy kingdom.<\/p>\n Wrap up your day at Helena Barquet\u00a0and\u00a0Fabiana Faria\u2019s Coming Soon<\/a>, 53 Canal St., a playful design mecca in the trendy Dimes Square micro-neighborhood, where high-end home d\u00e9cor meets quirky gifts \u2014 like swan-shaped spoons for caviar or ice cream, sleek vintage furniture, and NYC-themed puzzles that\u2019ll keep the kids busy while you shop.<\/p>\n And don\u2019t leave without a peek inside Elbow Bread<\/a> at 1 Ludlow St. \u2014\u00a0where pastry wizard Zo\u00eb Kanan has teamed up with Eric Finkelstein and Matt Ross of Court Street Grocers to serve treats and coffee worth hanging around for. Golden, glossy challah loaves make thoughtful host gifts, too.<\/p>\n East Village<\/p>\n Indie darling Village Works is known for its excellent selection of New York-related books. Stefano Giovannini<\/p>\n Kick off your spree at Mr. Throwback<\/a> (437 E. 9th St., between 1st Ave & Avenue A), a retro mecca for 80s and 90s sports gear.<\/p>\n Think windbreakers plastered with NFL logos, classic MLB snapbacks, NBA shorts, NHL jerseys, and even vintage sneakers, video games, and toys. <\/p>\n Owned by Michael Spitz, this shop is a nostalgia jackpot for anyone craving old-school street style and playground vibes. Weaver calls it \u201ca must for sports fans\u201d as the shop \u201cspecializes in vintage sports gear for all sports and teams.\u201d<\/p>\n Next, wander into Village Works<\/a> at 12 St. Marks Pl, Joseph Sheridan\u2019s literary time machine. Weaver says it\u2019s a \u201creally special bookstore that specializes in books about New York culture.\u201d<\/p>\n Vintage gets a glam-up at Rosemary Home, a true gifting find in the East Village. Stefano Giovannini for NY Post<\/p>\n It stacks local authors, indie presses, and self-published treasures, all with a Village-meets-NYC lens. <\/p>\n From books chronicling the city\u2019s best record stores to photo-filled odes to four decades of Tompkins Square Park, it\u2019s a cultural hub with exhibitions, author signings, and enough city grit to make you feel like a true New Yorker.<\/p>\n Then, hit Rosemary Home<\/a> at 315 E. 9th St., where vintage chic meets table-ready glam. Think hand-painted bowls, floral antipasto plates, elegant spoon rests, and heart-shaped card holders \u2014 perfect for wowing at your next dinner party.<\/p>\n Rosemary Home\u2019s line of Murano glassware is also a must-look, according to expert Weaver. Stefano Giovannini<\/p>\n \u201cThey have their own line of punchy striped Murano glassware that I just love,\u201d Weaver shared.<\/p>\n After that, give Exit9 Gift Emporium<\/a> at 51 Avenue A a try, where Charles Branstool\u2019s flagship is a pop-culture paradise.<\/p>\n You can grab Freddie Mercury keychains, Miffy pouches, disco-ball candles, and other delightfully quirky NYC keepsakes for pop culture stans in your family or friend group. <\/p>\n Recharge your batteries at the historic Venerio\u2019s Pasticceria on E. 11th St. \u2014\u00a0owner Robert Zerilli shows off a batch of sfogliatelle. Stefano Giovannini for NY Post<\/p>\n Need to refuel? Of course, no East Village spree is complete without a stop at Veneiro\u2019s Pasticceria & Cafe<\/a>, 342 E. 11th St., where espresso, cannolis, biscotti, and tiramis\u00f9 have been delighting sweet-toothed New Yorkers since 1894 \u2014 under a gorgeous stained-glass ceiling, no less.<\/p>\n Astoria<\/p>\n Lisa Ferrari\u2019s highly-curated vintage shop Pimbeche is worth the trip to Astoria alone.<\/p>\n Start your Queens adventure at 36-12 34th Ave. and Newtown HQ,<\/a> Cindy Cortez\u2019s pop culture playground packed with stickers, feline plushies, blind boxes, Girl Power mugs, Lady Gaga magnets, and more.<\/p>\n Weaver calls it a \u201cgreat pop culture gift shop\u201d that\u2019s \u201cstocked full of blind boxes, toys, stationery and art.\u201d<\/p>\n Then, stop by 29-23 23rd Ave to hit Pimbeche Vintage<\/a>, Lisa Ferrari-Sullivan\u2019s sustainable gem where every piece has a story \u2014 like a 1960s Peter Pan collared babydoll minidress begging to spill its secrets.<\/p>\n Hunt for Y2K Diane von Furstenberg silk slip dresses or vintage Gucci Brown Supreme GG Web Boston bags. \u201cIt\u2019s a a lovely, well-curated, well-priced vintage shop with lots of unique treasures to find,\u201d Weaver says. <\/p>\n Pimbeche is well curated and well priced, Weaver explained.<\/p>\n Hunting vinyl for the music fan on your list? Go to Pancakes Records<\/a> at 20-77 Steinway St., run by couple Tanya Gorbunova and AJ Pacheco, for everything from brand-new Chappell Roan drops to classic Smiths albums \u2014 used, but still spinning strong.<\/p>\n Weaver says the place is \u201ca beloved community-focused record shop with a great selection of mainstays and deep cuts.\u201d<\/p>\n Next up, Athena Gourmet Market<\/a> at 23-38 31st St. brings Greece to Queens with top-notch cheeses, baked treats and spices \u2014 each bite a love letter to the country\u2019s culinary heritage.<\/p>\n For the biliophiles, you can\u2019t miss the indie staple that is Astoria Bookshop <\/a>at 36-19 30th St., run by Lexi Beach and her wife Connie Rourke. <\/p>\n Customers Hagit and Dror are among the loyal crowd of Astorians often found taking a coffee and pastry break in front of the tiny Balancero, a popular cafe on 37th St. west of bustling Steinway. Kim Max for N.Y.Post<\/p>\n You\u2019ll find everything from rare new age, tarot and witchcraft reads to expertly curated works by Native and Indigenous authors.<\/p>\n Next, visit the Noguchi Museum Shop<\/a> at 9-01 33rd Road in nearby Long Island City, where music, design, and Isamu Noguchi\u2019s iconic Akari light sculptures meet curated gifts from artists carrying on his legacy.<\/p>\n Lastly, for your Queens pit stop, hit Balancero Coffee<\/a> at 30-95 37th St., a cozy Serbian-American-owned nook serving delectable lattes, strong cortados and fresh cappuccinos \u2014 and donuts for the neighborhood\u2019s coolest coffee shop crowd, even if the only seating\u2019s on the sidewalk.<\/p>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t