LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- From handmade gifts to neighborhood charm, small businesses across Louisville are preparing for the holiday shopping rush on Black Friday and Small Business Saturday.
In NULU, locally owned shops are dressed up and offering everything from specialty items to one‑of‑a‑kind gifts.
“Shop local is very big for us. Black Friday is very big for us,” said Carol Hampton of Pix Shoes.
On the eve of Thanksgiving, mom‑and‑pop shops are doing more than decking the halls.
“Small Business Saturday as well...indeed, we will be here,” said Grace Henderson of Revelry Gallery. "We sell ceramics, ornaments, visual art, leather goods, stickers galore."
From NULU to the Highlands, stores are polishing displays, stacking shelves and unwrapping fresh inventory, all hoping to handle the weekend crowds.
“Yeah, we'll have extra staff here, we always expect a big crowd on Small Business Saturday, and last year was, you know, kind of record setting for us,” said Michael Allen of Carmichael’s Bookstore.
At Pix Shoes, the hometown feel is part of the draw.
“We're home for a lot of people” Hampton said. “I get grandparents that come in say, I need my child. She's going to prom. I need shoes for her. You got me my shoes,” she added.
The shop is stocking up on boots, heels and holiday sparkle, banking on customers who prefer cozy aisles over big‑box crowds.
A few blocks away, Carmichael’s Bookstore on Bardstown Road is preparing for one of its biggest weekends of the year, filling shelves with the season’s hottest reads and stocking‑stuffer surprises.
“We have a lot of like, stocking stuffer type items too. We have socks. We have shirts, hoodies, sweatshirts, tote bags,” Allen said.
Revelry Gallery on East Market Street is also ready, packing shelves with handmade gifts from more than 150 local artists.
“This is the best place to get a unique gift in Louisville and to put your money right back into the local economy,” Henderson said.
The Louisville Independent Business Alliance (LIBA) said shopping local keeps holiday dollars circulating in the community.
“You're going to be adding dollars to the economy that circulates at a much higher rate. You're going to support the local businesses that support, you know, all the little leagues and lots of donations for auctions and all that good stuff,” said LIBA's Jennifer Rubenstein.
Many local businesses plan to extend hours Friday and Saturday to meet demand.
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