This weekend is all about supporting Brooklyn's small businesses, as Small Business Saturday kicks off on Nov. 30.
Although the holiday shopping deals start on Black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving, New Yorkers are all about supporting the mom-and-pop businesses that make this city unique. Created by American Express and first observed on November 27, 2010, Small Business Saturday is a counterpart to Black Friday and Cyber Monday-- the busiest shopping season of the year-- which feature big box retail and e-commerce stores. By contrast, Small Business Saturday encourages holiday shoppers to patronize brick and mortar businesses that are small and local.
There are over 183,000 small business in the city, and Brooklyn saw a major growth in the number of entrepreneurs after the pandemic, according to the latest figures released by the city Economic Development Corporation. Since 2019, Bedford Stuyvesant, Williamsburg, Bushwick, Crown Heights, Clinton Hill and Fort Greene have added a net total of 1,000 businesses, more than the rest of the city combined, according to the EDC.
“Every purchase at a local shop or family-owned business ripples through our neighborhoods, creating jobs and opportunities that strengthen the fabric of our communities,” said Governor Kathy Hochul. “As the daughter of a small business owner, I witnessed firsthand how these enterprises serve as anchors of community life. This holiday season and on Small Business Saturday, I encourage New Yorkers to invest in their communities by shopping local – because when our small businesses thrive, all of New York thrives.”
Brooklyn has many major shopping corridors, including Bedford and Kent Avenues in Williamsburg; Franklin and Manhattan Avenues in Greenpoint; Myrtle Avenue in Fort Greene and Clinton Hill; Atlantic Avenue, which borders Downtown Brooklyn, Cobble Hill, Boerum Hill and Park Slope; 86th Street in Bay Ridge; 7th and 5th Avenues in Park Slope, Vanderbilt Avenue in Prospect Heights, Franklin and Nostrand Avenues in Crown Heights; Fulton Street, Tompkins Avenue, Nostrand Avenue, Malcom X Boulevard in Bedford Stuyvesant; Morgan and Knickerbocker Avenues in Bushwick; Flatbush Avenue, which traverses Prospect Lefferts Gardens and Flatbush; Rockaway Parkway in Canarsie; Brighton Beach Avenue in Brighton Beach; Avenue J in Midwood; 86th Street in Bensonhurst.
That said, if you're looking for a one-stop shopping experience that will have tons of local vendors, try checking these locations out this weekend:
8th Annual Holiday Market Experience at I AM CARIBBEING - Flatbush
1399 Nostrand Ave., Thursday- Sunday from Nov. 30 - Dec. 29
Experience Caribbean Christmas in the epicenter of West Indian culture + community + vibes in NYC! Immerse yourself in a month-long market showcasing 30+ Caribbean + Latin artisans and makers. Click here for more information.
Meet the Makers Artisan Showcase by Brooklyn Org, Brooklyn Made Store & Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce
Brooklyn Made, 51 35th St. Industry City, 11:00am to 5:00pm
Sample delicious products, meet incredible local creators, purchase unique holiday items and get your presents wrapped by the team from the nonprofit Brooklyn Org. There are kids activities, food tastings and gift giveaways. For more information, click here.
Fort Greene Artisans Bazaar - Fort Greene
Located along DeKalb Avenue from Washington Park to just past South Portland Street
This outdoor market event runs year-round every Saturday at Fort Greene Park on Dekalb Avenue. There's a revolving roster of 40+ artisans, designers and makers selling contemporary fashion, accessories, home goods, beauty goods and jewelry.
The Makers Show at CityPoint - Downtown Brooklyn
445 Albee Square West
This pop-up holiday market will feature dozens of business selling crafts, foods and gifts.
A Night With The Makers: Holiday Edition at Industry City - Sunset Park
51 35th Street, Second Floor-The Makers Guild, Nov. 30, 4:00pm - 7:00pm
While listening to live electronic music beats, customers will be able to browse the floor, sipping complimentary drinks and participating in immersive free brand activations. A digital Gifting Concierge will also be available, for one-on-one personalized shopping guidance.
Artists & Fleas - Williamsburg
70 North 7th Street
Artists & Fleas is a year-round indoor market in Williamsburg that showcases local designers, artists and makers. In addition to their permanent vendors, they also host pop-up shops from emerging brands. You might find yourself browsing through handmade pottery or checking out a new jewelry line in this vibrant space.
In December, check out these holiday markets:
33 35th Street #Building 5 #2 Storefront A-106 in Idustry City, Dec. 1, 12:00pm to 6:00pm
The curated event will feature over 60 Black-owned retailers, showcasing a diverse range of products and brands, including Ashunta Sheriff Beauty, Dope Black Woman, Fe Noel Little Caribbean. Tickets are $20 and can be purhcased here.
Brooklyn Navy Yard's Wallabout Wonderland
Brooklyn Storehouse (Building 293), at the intersection of Assembly Road and Gee Avenue. Visitors can enter through the Clymer Street gate or through Building 77 at 141 Flushing Ave.' Dec. 7 and Dec. 8.
The Brooklyn Navy Yard Development Corporation’s seventh annual holiday pop-up will return as one of the borough’s largest holiday markets, featuring over 200 local vendors that offer a mix of clothing and accessories, home décor, health and beauty products, food and beverages and more. For more information, click here.
FAD Holiday Market
This weekend-only pop-up, on Dec. 7+8, Dec. 14+15 and Dec. 21+22 is at three locations: Empire Stores (55 Water St.), Invisible Dog Art Center (51 Bergen St.) , Brooklyn and St. Paul’s Church (190 Court St.)
The three locations will feature a rotating selection of 150 makers, designers, and artisanal food brands every weekend. For more information, click here.
