For the last decade, Small Business Saturday has been a day for shoppers to support their community’s local businesses during the holiday season. And as COVID-19 cases continue to spike both locally and across the country, many small businesses are struggling to make ends meet, which is why it’s especially important this year to shop small.
Shopping small not only benefits our local business owners but the entire community. In fact, for every dollar spent at a small business, 67 cents stays within the local economy. Not to mention the support these businesses often provide to the community year-round through their generous contributions to local sports teams, charities and events. Small Business Saturday is a time to give back to those who play an important role in making our community special.
With many folks choosing to shop safely online this year, options for supporting small can be limited. Luckily, Wheeling Heritage’s Artisan Center Shop provides a local platform for artists from our community and across the state to sell their goods. It also provides a convenient one-stop-shop for those looking for unique items that tell a story about West Virginia and Appalachian culture.
We’ve put together a list of our favorite items that are currently available on the Artisan Center Shop’s online store and encourage you to check out all the shop has to offer. From Nov. 27 – 30, online shoppers can receive free US shipping on orders over $100 when using the code SHOPSMALL at checkout.
For the Bookworms
The WVU Mountaineer isn’t just a mascot, it’s a symbol of West Virginia history and identity embraced throughout the state. Mountaineers Are Always Free: Heritage, Dissent, and a West Virginia Icon by folklorist Rosemary V. Hathaway explores this figure’s history- from a backwoods trickster to present-day West Virginia icon.
https://www.artisancenter.com/products/mountaineers-are-always-free-book
Brighten Up Your Walls With Local Art
The Artisan Center Shop carries a variety of prints that can give your walls a pop of color and local flair. Base Camp’s Hold On to What Matters Most print is a good reminder for all of us during the coronavirus pandemic.
https://www.artisancenter.com/products/hold-on-to-what-matters-print
A Cozy Sweatshirt, Perfect for Cuddling
With many of us trading in fancy nights out for cozy nights in, this sweatshirt by Kin Ship Goods is the perfect fit for someone who loves to show of their love for the Mountain State.
https://www.artisancenter.com/products/almost-heaven-sweatshirt
Spice Up Your Pantry
We’ve all been spending more time in the kitchen this year, and many of us will buy anything that can make dinnertime a little easier. Uncle Bunk’s Chili in a Bottle, made in Sisterville, WV, can help you get a delicious, hearty chili on the table in no time!
https://www.artisancenter.com/products/big-chili-in-a-bottle
Trim Your Tree with Handmade Ornaments
Whether you already have your tree out or are holding out until Thanksgiving passes, a hand-crafted ball ornament by Appalachian Glass would make a great addition to your holiday display. These come in a variety of colors and combinations.
https://www.artisancenter.com/products/hand-crafted-large-glass-friendship-ball-ornament
The Artisan Center Shop will continue to add new items to the online shop daily through the holiday season. If you’d like to explore the shop’s full inventory you can visit in-person Wednesdays-Fridays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Artisan Center Shop will be closed Nov. 26-27.
