Small Business Saturday Archives

Are you familiar with Small Business Saturday? If not, let me fill you in. Small Business Saturday is an event that American Express started several years ago to help promote and boost business for independent retail businesses around the country.

The goal of Small Business Saturday is to encourage people to support and shop at the small businesses within their community. As the previous owner of an independent retail store I can’t tell you how important it is to support the independent businesses in your area.

In honor of Small Business Saturday which is tomorrow, I thought I’d take you on a tour of one of my favorite independent speciality retail stores here in Atlanta–Steve McKenzie’s.

I had the pleasure of conducting a holiday gift wrap workshop at the store a couple of weeks ago and while I was there I took note of all the wonderful products that were for sale.

One of the things the store is known for is its tabletop and entertaining items. Melamine is hot trend in tabletop right now and there were some beautiful pieces in the store. I had to get up close and personal with stemware before I realized they were melamine and not crystal.

You’ll find everything you need if you love to host parties and entertain.

Steve McKenzie’s sells two of my favorite brands, R.Wood Studio ceramics (above) and Blenko Glass (below)♥

The store also sells unique furniture and decor pieces. These teal decorative boxes and tray caught my eye.

I wish you could transport yourself to the store and sit in this chair. It was so luxurious and comfortable.

The design on the front of this chest is a major style statement.

Many of Steve’s custom art pieces hang in the store and are available for sale.

When it comes to gifts, there is something for everyone including a great selection of men’s gifts, women’s accessories and the Steve McKenzie line of custom candles.

And naturally with it being the holiday season, there are lots of fun and unique holiday decor and gift items.

I love the collection of holiday ornaments, many of which were vintage or chinoiserie inspired. The Pagoda and the Budda ornaments were two of my favorites.

I hope you enjoyed this virtual tour of Steve McKenzie’s!

If you live in the Atlanta area, stop by Steve McKenzie’s this holiday and shop local. And if you can’t make it to the store you can shop online here.

999 Brady Ave NW #1
Atlanta, GA 30318

Holiday hours: Monday thru Saturday 10:00 am -4:00 pm and Sunday 12:00-4:00 pm

And don’t forget that wherever you live, get out and support the small businesses in your community on Small Business Saturday.

Four years ago American Express started Small Business Saturday to encourage people to do their holiday shopping at small businesses. The movement has taken hold and has had a big impact on small businesses across the country.

Each year the Saturday after Thanksgiving is designated at Shop Small day and I hope that if you have any shopping to do tomorrow you’ll make an effort to spend a few dollars at a local retail store.

I get asked a lot about where I shop here in Atlanta so with Small Business Saturday upon us, I thought I’d share a few of my favorite retailers and what makes them so great. If you near one of these stores tomorrow, next week or even next month I hope you drop in and check them out and show your support to independent retailers.

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Boxwoods Home & Garden

100 East Andrews

Atlanta, GA

404-233-3400

www.boxwoodsonline.com

If you love a great mix of old and new decorative accessories, Boxwoods combines the two beautifully. The eclectic mix of merchandise includes unique vintage and antique pieces hand-selected from Europe and throughout the U.S., current and modern home accessories, affordable furniture and lighting, fine giftware, stylish jewelry & handbags and an award-winning plant department! With nearly an acre of exterior garden areas, they also offer a wide variety of planters, fountains, outdoor plants, bird baths and benches.

Boxwoods also has an amazing selection of tabletop decor, housed in a second building across the street from the original.

Green Fleur Drinkware (you’d never know they weren’t glass)

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Erika Reade

3732 Roswell Road

Atlanta, GA 30342
orders@erikareade.com

Tel: 404-233-3857

Erika Reade sells a wide variety of soaps , candles, and home diffusers in addition to many one-of-a-kind antiques, lamps, pillows, coffee table books, original art and home accessories. Brands include Simon Pearce, Juliska, Match Pewter, Pine Cone Hill , Peacock Alley, Dash and Albert, Good Earth Pottery, Mariposa, and many other collections for home, bath and body.

If you’re looking for a personal care item, unique tabletop piece or a fragrant candle, you’ll definitely want to check out this shop.

Sade France French Tulip Candle (smells amazing)

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Smith’s The Store

3131 Main St. #A

Duluth, GA

(770) 623-6959

http://www.smithsthestore.com

Smith’s – Gift, Home, Gourmet offers quality products at affordable prices for the kitchen, bath and garden. They specialize in hand-crafted soaps, women’s clothing & accessories, gourmet foods, home fragrance items, home décor and gifts. Brands include Aspen Bay, Culinary Institute of America, Ginger Snaps, Habersham Candle, Park Hill, Signature, Creative Co-Op and many

American and regional made products.

I have been blessed to have been able to partner with Smith’s in conducting their seasonal design workshops and highly recommend this store is you are looking for a unique piece for yourself or a gift.

Mona B Recycled Burlap Canvas Tote (many cute styles to choose from)

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Steve McKenzie’s

999 Brady Ave NW, Suite #1

Atlanta, Georgia

404.618.0422 & 1.888.601.5360

http://www.stevemckenzies.com

The Steve McKenzie’s store combines products designed by Steve himself along with handmade pieces from southern artisans. The cornerstone of the store’s offerings is Steve’s textile designs that are derived from the canvases of Steve’s artwork. In addition to Steve’s beautiful textiles, you’ll find unique gifts, tabletop items and a wonderful selection of handcrafted jewelry. Steve Mckenzie’s also serves as the Grange Furniture showroom for the Southeast.

Steve and his wife Jill have built a really amazing store filled with wonderful pieces and they also happen to be two of the nicest people of earth.

Blenko Water Bottle (on my gift list)

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Peridot

1183 Howell Mill Rd
Atlanta, GA 30318
(404)350-0330

www.simplyperidot.com

Peridot is where you’ll find a gorgeous serving platter for the hostess with the “mostest” a few steps away from humorous cookie cutters for your kooky uncle. A pricey country French cupboard one room over from an inexpensive collection of local jewelry. Hundreds of candles, soft sleepwear, furniture, china, lanterns, canine accessories, handbags, rugs, classic children’s toys and so much more…all under one roof.

Shopping in this store is like being in a home filled with beautiful treasures.