Small Business Saturday brings lots of shoppers to downtown Lincoln and beyond

[November 27, 2023]  

This past Saturday was Small Business Saturday, a day between Black Friday and Cyber Monday where smaller businesses get to shine. Lincoln took part in this day, highlighting many of its small businesses and encouraging people to shop local.

One incentive that many of the businesses participated in was Christmas Express. Nineteen businesses in Lincoln had a card with each of their names at their business. Each business would “stamp” their name on a card, indicating the person who’s card it was made a purchase at that business. When a person gets at least ten “stamps,” they can turn the card in at a participating business for a chance to win gift cards to each of the participating businesses.

If you were not out at Small Business Saturday, not to worry, as you can get these cards and collect “stamps” until December 17th.

Not all of Lincoln’s local businesses were able to participate in Christmas Express, but just about all were open on Small Business Saturday.

These included, but were not limited to, Abe’s Caramel Corn, Sir Renna Tea, Flossie & Delzena’s, Guest House, Debbie’s Downtown Floral, The Bee, Small Town Creations, Indigo Quilt Studio, The Mystic Rose, Re-New, Highbrow Studio, R & T Collectables, Dali Bliss, The Copper Penny, Mary Todd’s Hallmark, Take 2 Consignment and Thrift, The Metaphysical Store, Podbelsek Family Creations, Cindy’s Cottage, EpiCenter, and Top Hat Creamery.

Some businesses did not have a physical storefront, so some of Lincoln’s small businesses shared their space so these businesses could have a place to set up as well. These included Sophie Sews Bags set up inside Flossie’s, Sam H Pottery and AP Pottery at The Bee), and Lillie and Lou at Take 2 Consignment.

The day itself was very busy, with people out and about exploring. Almost all parking on the square was taken, and the sidewalks were full of people going from one business to another. People were carrying bags from one business to another, slowly growing their collection. Others were carrying drinks purchased from Guest House to keep them warm on the cold morning to afternoon.

[Matt Boutcher]