Where to shop for the holiday season locally

Small businesses are sometimes sidelined in the wake of national retail chains on Black Friday, the official start of the holiday shopping season. For this reason, Small Business Saturday was created. The holidays are meant to highlight small businesses that provide customers with a personalized shopping experience within their own communities.

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Looking to reduce your holiday shopping list at local stores? Below are a few Summit County stores to visit on Small Business Saturdays.

The learned owl bookstore

It’s not hard to know what your favorite bookworm wants this holiday season, but sourcing books locally can be a challenge. Owl Savant Bookstore in Hudson is a remedy for this dilemma.

The boutique’s three floors are filled with books for all ages and interests, from classic picture books and travel guides to the latest New York Times bestsellers. Plus, if the book you’re buying isn’t on their shelves, sellers can order it. An out of print search service is also available for particularly hard to find books.

While you are in the neighborhood, check Winds of change, a women’s clothing store that sells clothing, accessories and home decor. If you get hungry after all the shopping, walk down a few doors and stop for a burger or wrap yourself up in The farmer’s rail.

Details

Address: 204 N. Main St., Hudson

Telephone: (330) 653-2252

Website: https://www.learnedowl.com/

2 Live music

This Akron movie and music store has a bit of everything, including entertainment, spirits, and an urban book collection. If you have a friend or loved one in a correctional facility, 2 Live music can also ship the books you buy to inmates. The store announced that it will offer a 10% discount on Saturdays on small businesses to those who mention this item.

Those looking for streetwear can drive down the road from Kick Show, a clothing and footwear store for men, women and children. The retail store offers well-known brands such as Nike, Jordan and Timberland.

Details

Address: 1286 Vernon Odom Blvd., Akron

Telephone: (330) 869-2104

Website: https://www.facebook.com/2LiveMusicSuperstore/

Gypsy Grace and the Vintage Goat

If the person you’re buying a gift for enjoys metaphysics, a visit to Gypsy Grace and the Vintage Goat is a must. The store is in Akron’s Highland Square neighborhood and primarily sells metaphysical supplies, decorations, and gifts. Some of the items on their shelves are salt lamps, tarot cards, crystals, and incense.

Next to it is Sheet, a retail store and a florist. Here you can shop for a wrapped bouquet or vase flower arrangement and browse their collection of city-inspired gift items, housewares, plants and flowers. Flower delivery is also available.

Details

Address: 451 W. Market St., Akron

Telephone: (330) 366-2835

Website: https://www.gypsygraceandthevintagegoatoh.com/

Lil ‘Frog Fashions

This Cuyahoga Falls shop is stocked with used children’s clothing, toys, books, videos and shoes. The resale store also has a selection of baby gear, baby accessories, and maternity clothing available. Customers can buy tax-free and roll the dice at the cash register for additional discounts on Small Business Saturday and the following Sunday, owner Shannon Roshon said.

A jump, a jump and a jump away is downtown Cuyahoga Falls, a hub for local small businesses and their various merchandise. For a hearty lunch between the shops, visit Shawarma Brothers, a Middle Eastern restaurant that makes killer falafel.

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Details

Address: 2010 Chestnut Blvd., Cuyahoga Falls

Telephone: (330) 940-2323

Website: https://lilfrogfashions.com/

Northside Market

There is a bit of everything for everyone at Northside Market, where businesses that the public normally only have access to at farmers’ markets can rent stalls and shelves for their products. The wares of 42 vendors, selling everything from soap and miniature play systems to stained glass and jewelry, have found a permanent place in the market.

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Details

Address: 21 Furnace Street, Akron

Telephone: (234) 542-6627

Website: https://northsidemarketplace.com/

The player’s dungeon

This store was created by and for local gamers interested in card games, board games, Warhammer and role-playing games. The store has everything a casual, competitive, or professional gamer needs, including Magic: The Gathering cards, Dungeons and Dragons merchandise, a selection of board games, and Warhammer miniatures.

The player’s dungeon sells their individual cards at a 10% discount on Small Business Saturdays. Please note: upon entering you will be greeted by a husky named Albus, the store mascot, in its normal fluffy form or as a life-size cutout.

Details

Address: 1275 W. Wooster Road, Barberton

Telephone: (234) 334-3727

Website: https://www.facebook.com/TheGamersKeep/

Bisesi Cycling & Fitness

Bikes are a classic holiday gift, and a local place to get yours is Bisesi Cycling & Fitness next to the Nimisila reservoir. Most of the shop’s customers are novice or recreational cyclists, but they offer bikes for all types of riders, including toddlers. If you are considering giving away a childhood bike or an old bike that needs some work, they also offer qualified mechanical services at reasonable rates.

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Details

Address: 5164 S. Main St., Akron

Telephone: (330) 882-6727

Website: https://www.bisesis.com/

The bomb shelter

Shopping for someone who likes to remember the “good old days?” If so, a visit to Akron Shelter may be in order. This 26,000 square foot warehouse is a treasure trove of vintage vinyl records, cars, military equipment and other interesting items.

So stop by and say hello to the company’s giant sea monster or its 10-plus-year-old goldfish named Punkin. You can get a glimpse into life in the mid-1900s, and if you spot something that would appeal to a nostalgic person, purchase a piece of that story.

Details

Address: 923 Bank Street, Akron

Telephone: (330) 258-0088

Website: https://www.thebombshelterstore.com/

Contact Beacon Journal reporter Tawney Beans at [email protected] and on Twitter @TawneyBeans.