Thanksgiving week has arrived, and for many local businesses, that means a critical holiday shopping season will soon be in full swing.
Small Business Saturday sales are expected to deliver nearly 20% of the annual revenue, on average, for small businesses this year, according to a study by American Express, which created the occasion in 2010.
With inflation and rising unemployment contributing to a slowdown in retail spending, some businesses in the Fairfax area are banding together to encourage shoppers to support local establishments this Saturday (Nov. 29) and throughout the holiday season.
McLean businesses offer ‘Shopping Passport’ challenge
A shopping spree could double as a tour of downtown McLean with the Small Business Saturday Shopping Passport program organized by Fonts Books & Gifts.
Coinciding with the independent book store’s second anniversary, the program challenges customers to collect stamps from at least five of its eight participating businesses:
- Apricot Lane Boutique (6224 Old Dominion Drive, Suite 6F)
- Artisan Confections (1333 Chain Bridge Road)
- Chain Bridge Cellars (1351 Chain Bridge Road)
- Fonts Books & Gifts (6262 Old Dominion Drive, Unit B)
- McLean Art Gallery (6224-B Old Dominion Drive)
- McLean Hardware (1445 Chain Bridge Road)
- Munch and Match (6888 Elm Street, Suite 101)
- Tennistopia (6262 Old Dominion Drive, Suite G)
Throughout Saturday, passports can be picked up and turned in at any of the businesses to be entered into a drawing for three prize baskets, though Fonts is offering a free book to anyone who drops off their passport at its store.
Winners will be chosen at random from the completed passports by Fonts at 5 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 1.
“We are excited to bring this shopping passport event to McLean,” Fonts Books owner Amber Taylor said. “We have participated in similar programs with other independent bookstores, and thought it would be a fun idea to celebrate Small Business Saturday and highlight some of the great local businesses here.”
Launched in November 2023 by Taylor, who previously worked as a bookseller at Arlington’s One More Page, Fonts will also have a “Spin the Prize” wheel and provide free gift wrappings for any purchased items to celebrate its two years in business.
A month of promotions in Fairfax City
Fairfax City Economic Development (FCED) is getting a head start on boosting local entrepreneurs and retailers by kicking off a full Holiday Small Business Month on Black Friday (Nov. 28).
Through Dec. 22, participating businesses will offer discounts and other special promotions:
- Artie’s Lock and Key
- Audacious Aleworks Brewery & Taproom
- BE2 Pilates
- Bonchon
- Common Culture Specialty Coffee
- DIY Scent Studio
- Dolce Vita
- eXurb Fitness
- Fairfax Ace Hardware
- Fairfax Surf Shop
- Gaming Giant
- JoyLife Spa
- Mode on Main by Mara
- Omni Wellness and Performance
- Paradise Games & Gifts
- Paschal Lamb
- Patriot’s Pub & Grill
- Romp n’ Roll
- Senberry Bowls
- Weber’s Pet Supermarket
In addition, FCED will give anyone who buys one of its Flex Cards a 40% bonus on the purchase of a second one. Launched in 2022, the program sells gift cards that can be used at various businesses around Fairfax City.
“Fairfax City is home to small businesses that embody the entrepreneurial spirit of the people who live and work here,” Fairfax City Mayor Catherine Read said in a press release. “From boutiques and salons to restaurants and specialty shops, our city is a true holiday shopping destination. When we choose to shop local, we invest directly in the vitality of our community.”
Holiday guides and business directories
- Vienna Holiday Guide: The Vienna Business Association’s guide lists promotions by local business as well as upcoming holiday events, such as the annual Church Street Stroll scheduled for Monday (Dec. 1).
- Made in Fairfax: Started in 2018, Fairfax County’s Made in Fairfax directory highlights local artisans and manufacturers. The county says over 90% of all its businesses are “small,” noting that shopping locally helps support “the entrepreneurs and families who call Fairfax home.”
- Herndon Business Directory: The Town of Herndon maintains a comprehensive list of all businesses in its limits “to promote the diverse products and services offered.”
