By Amanda E.H. Pritchard

apritchard@newsaegis.com

Black Friday nearly here. If this is one of your traditions to kick off the holiday season, you know that means lacing up your most comfortable shoes, mustering up as much gumption as possible and heading out to land some great deals/steals. As the “official” start to the holiday shopping season begins the most important thing to remember is—shop local first.

Still waiting for the economy to bounce back, it’s important to keep your dollars local that’s why the Saturday after Thanksgiving has been designated “Small Business Saturday.” Since there’s plenty of shopping in St. Clair County, you won’t have a problem supporting your favorite stores.

Mapping out the best shopping route here’s a guide on some great shops in your own backyard.  In Argo visit Peacocks in the Parlor at the Argo Shopping Village on Highway 11 North. Owner Sheila Lunsford is offering 20 percent off an entire purchase of $50 or more (some exclusions apply) to encourage people to shop at peacocks.

Stocking stuffers from Springville could come from local restaurants, Sal’s and Del Sol.

Ashville Florist and Gift Shop offers collegiate football gifts as well as jewelry, home décor and more. Pell City offers a plethora of small business boutiques, but one off the beaten path is The Cabin at Cedar Lane. Located at 5014 Cedar Lane, Pell City, “The Cabin” offers one-of-a-kind gift ideas from ornaments to hand towels.

In Odenville gift seekers can find “Big City Fashions at Small Town Prices.” Owner Teresa Downing encourages residents to shop local to keep the money within the St. Clair County school system.

Offering door buster items, Downing is getting an early start on Small Business Saturday by opening at 5 a.m. on Black Friday. Downing is offering 50 percent off on several store items. Visit O’Town Boutique at 13260 Highway 411, Suite 200 (next to Domino’s).

New to St. Clair County is The Happy Willow in Moody. Co-owned by the mother-daughter team of Christy Jeffcoat and Amy Moman, The Happy Willow is the perfect blend of gifts old and new. “It’s important to shop local because small business is the life of a community. We bring revenue to the city and provide personal face-to-face service, along with specialized merchandise to the consumer. Personal service is something I believe big businesses definitely lack,” said Jeffcoat. Stocking their shop with antiques to the latest scarf trends you can find The Happy Willow at 2846 Moody Parkway, next to Golden Gate II. “We are happy to have our antique and gift shop in Moody. The people have been so welcoming and encouraging to me and my daughter that we know the Moody community shop at their small businesses. So, continue to shop small especially this Saturday, November 26 and all year long to support your home town and small business.”

Making your way to Leeds, a seasonal must see is The Monkey’s Uncle Christmas Shoppe. Unique gifts are on hand with items featuring edible cheese straws to Christmas-themed décor, just stepping in the store it’s apparent that it’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas.

Save yourself the headache (and road rage) by avoiding 280 and staying in traffic free St. Clair County. Your favorite small businesses will thank you for it.