Small Business Saturday a Success on Waterloo

Waterloo road was hustling and bustling the Saturday after Thanksgiving. Better known in the retail realm as ‘Small Business Saturday’ this sponsored program by American Express is tailor made for local businesses across the country and even in our own backyard. If you happened upon the Waterloo Arts District on Saturday one would encounter everything from blue banners, cute tote bags, and ubiquitous hashtags like #shopsmall and #smallbizsat. One also would be greeted with excited vendors, galleries, and some deep discounts heading into the holiday shopping season.

Dru Christine Fabrics & Design is no stranger to the ‘Shop Small’ event. Celebrating their fifth year in the program, patrons were greeted to “Holiday Senses” which was a great mixture of sight, smell and sound. The shop welcomed LeMahogany ART and Miss Mixtures to give customers a full holiday sensory experience. Other highlights also include sweet surprises and an awesome performance by youth violinist, Kynnedy Simone.

Heading east, Music SAVES was found to be offering Black Friday deals the day after, and even offered their customers 20% off a future purchase for stopping in. Maria Neil Art Project had encaustic artist, Pita Brooks, doing a live demonstration and creating one-of-a-kind holiday ornaments for some easy cash and carry impulse buys. Larry Fielder was showing off his new studio location at 16008 Waterloo Road, and welcoming visitors with various discount on his handmade industrial pieces. Native Cleveland was promoting their generous giveaway of a hat, hoodie or socks to a local homeless shelter, if you bought one of those items for yourself.

The list goes on: Six Shooter Coffee, the District’s favorite coffee spot, was offering patrons $2 off whole bean coffee (and if you happened to stop by on Cyber Monday the discount was $1 off!). The Beachland, Citizen Pie and Blue Arrow Records were also involved to create a cohesive and District-wide event. There was much to do on Waterloo! Just remember: ‘Small Business Saturday’ isn’t your only opportunity to get a good deal. The Waterloo Arts District has regular hours of business and has a monthly ‘Walk All over Waterloo’ every First Friday of the month. You can get a lot of your holiday shopping done right here in your own neighborhood! For more information be sure to check out the Waterloo Arts District Facebook page.