Get Local With It For Small Business Saturday
Great businesses help to make great cities, and as we approach Small Business Saturday (November 25th) — a day carved out to honor mom-and-pop shops across the country — I’ve put together a list of places to eat, shop, and hang in Spokane that are keeping greatness alive and well in our city.
Take a moment to think about your favorite cities (it’s okay if you include Spokane). What makes them special? Incredible neighborhoods? Delicious food? Accessible transit? Amazing things to do? When you think about the characteristics of communities that draw us in — neighborhoods we enjoy perusing, spots we like to go — there’s a lot of overlap:
The best places cultivate connectedness. They expose us to art & culture. They help us find community, and offer a sense of home. They are places where we feel nurtured and inspired. Spaces where we feel like we belong.
Small businesses are almost always at the heart of these places — that coffee shop where the barista knows your favorite drink, the local venue who books your favorite bands, the boutique owner who calls when something new comes in, the watering hole where the staff know you and your dog by name.
![Spokane local business](https://visitspokane.imgix.net/images/food-drink/SAMM6171.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=320&s=42bd641ae5c2e35a6294a00556a072bc 320w, https://visitspokane.imgix.net/images/food-drink/SAMM6171.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=540&s=596aa9f9e4c56013d180f781cacd258f 540w, https://visitspokane.imgix.net/images/food-drink/SAMM6171.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=768&s=4e38d9cb3cf43598ee57b1c06b45965a 768w, https://visitspokane.imgix.net/images/food-drink/SAMM6171.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1024&s=7715b5046dcc6d91aea9978bcf7937dd 1024w, https://visitspokane.imgix.net/images/food-drink/SAMM6171.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1200&s=75040b04c7c47281dea8b7d1fa828256 1200w, https://visitspokane.imgix.net/images/food-drink/SAMM6171.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1440&s=eb7313c19433b71b121b19981cd70612 1440w, https://visitspokane.imgix.net/images/food-drink/SAMM6171.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1920&s=a166799c0dd541af2e2698a95424298d 1920w, https://visitspokane.imgix.net/images/food-drink/SAMM6171.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=2560&s=daa800bb65d4427e1b19a40a32b53982 2500w)
Local Coffee & Tea
If you’re like me, starting the day off right involves a great cup of coffee (or tea). And with all the small business support-ing you’ll be up to, you’re going to need a pick-me-up. Be sure to try the Lemon Cardamom latte at Thomas Hammer’s LTD Reserve (3173 S. Grand), the Alyssa at Emma Rue’s (15 S. Howard), the Lemon Lavender at Indaba (518 W. Riverside), the Dirty Chai at Hatch (19 W. Main), the Brown Sugar and Clove latte at Ladder (1516 W. Riverside), and the Earl Grey Old Fashioned at Revival Tea Company (415 W. Main Ste. 100).
![Boo Radley's](https://visitspokane.imgix.net/images/local-business/booradleys_b8fe3091-3d11-4d40-9a03-605e58be5aa5.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=320&s=b62697bfc1e40d1572d7f42c5b2a28c6 320w, https://visitspokane.imgix.net/images/local-business/booradleys_b8fe3091-3d11-4d40-9a03-605e58be5aa5.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=540&s=f12040e742d505b602871a908c44200a 540w, https://visitspokane.imgix.net/images/local-business/booradleys_b8fe3091-3d11-4d40-9a03-605e58be5aa5.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=768&s=ffe4189bdfcb8f2baca36bec88d65cce 768w, https://visitspokane.imgix.net/images/local-business/booradleys_b8fe3091-3d11-4d40-9a03-605e58be5aa5.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1024&s=37679d6d7ecb22d3526bcfd25b5ceb0e 1024w, https://visitspokane.imgix.net/images/local-business/booradleys_b8fe3091-3d11-4d40-9a03-605e58be5aa5.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1200&s=a58dd93a4a9ffeabec7e0b435127d6e5 1200w)
Local & Unique Shops
Now that you’re well caffeinated (and hopefully well pastry-ied) it’s time to get out there and start shopping local! You better buckle up and put on your comfy shoes, there’s A LOT to see and do!
Looking for something weird, wacky, and just plain fun? Boo Radley’s has you covered. From t-shirts to prayer candles, greeting cards, to incense, they have a little something for everyone. (232 N.Howard). Be sure to head next door to Boo Radley’s sister store Atticus (222 N. Howard) for another great selection of curated gifts. If you’re looking for high-quality items that also make the world a better place then Kizuri (35 W. Main) is your jam. All of their items are fair-trade, eco-friendly, or local, and they too have a little something for all tastes.
![1889 Salvage Company, Vintage Shopping Spokane](https://visitspokane.imgix.net/images/shopping/2022-1889SalvageCo-Shopping-Web-BenMatthews-1100237.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=320&s=a3f37eb1b9ad8bb510440893fd789288 320w, https://visitspokane.imgix.net/images/shopping/2022-1889SalvageCo-Shopping-Web-BenMatthews-1100237.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=540&s=3b35cc2d914b03acd91f007f2227d5e1 540w, https://visitspokane.imgix.net/images/shopping/2022-1889SalvageCo-Shopping-Web-BenMatthews-1100237.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=768&s=729ce803febd2aba6a5d0612b6123b71 768w, https://visitspokane.imgix.net/images/shopping/2022-1889SalvageCo-Shopping-Web-BenMatthews-1100237.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1024&s=147bbac4036c75ba174363e6cd79ac55 1024w)
Local Vintage & Antique Stores
Raise your hand if you love the thrill of the hunt. Well, you’re in luck because Spokane is home to a bunch of vintage and antique stores. Be sure to check out Chic & Shab (2321 N. Monroe). I particularly love their vendor's Abode and Jones Home Decor. Teleport Vintage (917 W. Broadway) is also great — Jones Home Decor sells out of here too — and has some of the best vintage clothing in town. In fact, Teleport has been a wardrobe supplier for “Dreamin Wild” the film being shot in Spokane starring Casey Affleck and Zooey Deschanel. If you are a lover of all things mid-century you must — MUST — follow Howard House who sells out of 1889 Salvage Company (2824 N. Monroe). Down in Vinegar Flats, Lucky Vintage and Pretty Things is, well, one of the prettiest shops in town. The owners of Lucky travel the world to bring gorgeous items (both vintage and new) to Spokane.
![From Here, Shop Local Spokane](https://visitspokane.imgix.net/images/shopping/2022-FromHere-Shopping-Web-BenMatthews-1170762.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=320&s=abeaaa7a16d47746f3adbb65554fb703 320w, https://visitspokane.imgix.net/images/shopping/2022-FromHere-Shopping-Web-BenMatthews-1170762.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=540&s=a5db8c8a98de4a11327d385114da3781 540w, https://visitspokane.imgix.net/images/shopping/2022-FromHere-Shopping-Web-BenMatthews-1170762.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=768&s=98b0119379cc089057be7337e7eb5112 768w, https://visitspokane.imgix.net/images/shopping/2022-FromHere-Shopping-Web-BenMatthews-1170762.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1024&s=fa2ddfa6e9f85a6dac39707afd39cdfd 1024w)
Local Shops & Locally Made Goods
Are you one of those hyper-local, locals? Do you know someone who is interested in not only shopping locally but locally-made? Be sure to check out From Here (inside River Park Square), a retail shop run by my arts nonprofit, Terrain. We sell one-of-a-kind gifts designed and handmade by 100+ Spokane artists & makers. We’re talking jewelry, apparel, home decor, paper goods, and more. If you’re a hyper-local local who is also a proud Spokanite, From Here is home to a new Spokane-themed apparel and accessories collab between Terrain and local artists called Terrain X that will drop November 27th.
Other locally-made musts include Pottery Place Plus (203 N. Washington), an artist cooperative inside the Liberty Building, and Saranac Art Projects, and Trackside Studio who both have shows in December focused on gift-giving season.
![](https://visitspokane.imgix.net/images/shopping/Fern-Plant-Shop.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=320&s=b788b200b9e6d6aae6f350f832f4084b 320w, https://visitspokane.imgix.net/images/shopping/Fern-Plant-Shop.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=540&s=13d4b72cb63a34125829cfbafb34aebd 540w, https://visitspokane.imgix.net/images/shopping/Fern-Plant-Shop.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=768&s=791eeff258646d7a6f8f3d8e7cbc1c9c 768w, https://visitspokane.imgix.net/images/shopping/Fern-Plant-Shop.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1024&s=c71ddeb1d33905f62f8bea3ff612c10b 1024w, https://visitspokane.imgix.net/images/shopping/Fern-Plant-Shop.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1200&s=c06b82a57557c86456600952e5d92e62 1200w, https://visitspokane.imgix.net/images/shopping/Fern-Plant-Shop.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1440&s=eec7b22d3220331872707986557991cd 1440w)
Local Houseplants
Houseplants! They’re all the rage these days and I must say, Spokane is doing right by the houseplant trend. The Chop Shop (2808 N. Monroe) is chock full of beautiful, pet-friendly varieties and has upcycled pots, a potting supply bar, and other fun oddities that make this plant shop extra special. Pro Tip: The Chop Shop is doing 20% off houseplants and 10% off collector plants for Small Business Saturday. Fern is another beautiful plant store with 3 different locations (2 in Spokane and 1 in Coeur d’ Alene).
![Auntie's Bookstore](https://visitspokane.imgix.net/images/local-business/Aunties2_03021502-31ef-4b7d-8ab4-6b65383da7fb.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=320&s=4518e64e29989a4601bb2e5aba0391fb 320w, https://visitspokane.imgix.net/images/local-business/Aunties2_03021502-31ef-4b7d-8ab4-6b65383da7fb.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=540&s=c134d1f5fbb15be20dc1a97aad4640ce 540w, https://visitspokane.imgix.net/images/local-business/Aunties2_03021502-31ef-4b7d-8ab4-6b65383da7fb.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=768&s=39b6408324377f2143ef303eb22198e9 768w, https://visitspokane.imgix.net/images/local-business/Aunties2_03021502-31ef-4b7d-8ab4-6b65383da7fb.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1024&s=e2e558dfee0b5a960440b7a5b71b4c43 1024w, https://visitspokane.imgix.net/images/local-business/Aunties2_03021502-31ef-4b7d-8ab4-6b65383da7fb.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1200&s=d90b421060846e695ad15b345ad58349 1200w)
Local Bookstores
You know that saying “reading is sexy?” Well, it’s true! And Spokane has small, independent bookstores that rival the best. I’m looking at you Auntie’s (402 W. Main), Giant Nerd Books (607 W. Garland), 2nd Look Books (2829 E. 29th), and Wishing Tree (1410 E. 11th). I mentioned it already, but Atticus has a great, highly curated book collection as well. In addition to selling those magical things that expand our knowledge, develop our thoughts, and increase our imagination (NBD), Spokane’s independent bookstores also offer an array of events like author talks that build community. Pro tip: Be sure to check out Vintage Vending when visiting Giant Nerd Books.
![](https://visitspokane.imgix.net/images/shopping/Veda-Lux_2021-03-04-003236.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=320&s=de44e27bb7a748a7db303527580e7b89 320w, https://visitspokane.imgix.net/images/shopping/Veda-Lux_2021-03-04-003236.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=540&s=94572a09e352d9f80b36eb303340a236 540w, https://visitspokane.imgix.net/images/shopping/Veda-Lux_2021-03-04-003236.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=768&s=85693f641e9e2df0c5c6354c77bc623d 768w, https://visitspokane.imgix.net/images/shopping/Veda-Lux_2021-03-04-003236.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1024&s=5943ddacc615a549db5c242d02f690ee 913w)
Local Resale & Vintage Clothing Boutiques
If you’re like me and need a little inspiration to ditch the sweatpants you’ve been wearing the past 20 months (welcome to my personal pep talk), Spokane’s finest resale and vintage clothing boutiques might help. Fringe & Fray (1325 W. First Ave.) is one of my faves with a mix of modern and vintage clothing (and decor). Their prices are right and the selection is good. Garland Resale (11 S. Howard) is a thrift and consignment store with a focus on sustainable style. They also sell a handful of home goods and locally made products. Veda Lux (1106 S. Perry St) is also a local fave. Pro Tip: Check our Veda Lux’s daily Peep Show to see what’s new on the racks.
![](https://visitspokane.imgix.net/images/holiday/BrrrZaar.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=320&s=2029725fd5b3b583d8ee347de7fcc30e 320w, https://visitspokane.imgix.net/images/holiday/BrrrZaar.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=540&s=f2b2673502a89dd7b8facdd29487a444 540w, https://visitspokane.imgix.net/images/holiday/BrrrZaar.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=768&s=6a9e17dd11de3c90797bf8b6c79a9b56 768w, https://visitspokane.imgix.net/images/holiday/BrrrZaar.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1024&s=84b51580ab0567ace236763c2853c1e7 1024w, https://visitspokane.imgix.net/images/holiday/BrrrZaar.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1200&s=b6752c87d379b326787c463bfc28c4ed 1200w, https://visitspokane.imgix.net/images/holiday/BrrrZaar.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1440&s=a4505c50c8190084d3b8c2c62d6510cb 1440w, https://visitspokane.imgix.net/images/holiday/BrrrZaar.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1920&s=95ed1db72fc2a83e868588a6484c9f94 1920w, https://visitspokane.imgix.net/images/holiday/BrrrZaar.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=2560&s=e44b969dd391c354d28a8cc38b9cc4a7 2048w)
Local Events & Entertainment
Spokane is a city that LOVES events and there are a couple coming up that aim to support local businesses. BrrrZAAR (December 16th), also put on by my arts org Terrain, is Spokane’s largest, all-local art market, featuring 70 local vendors, live music, and kids' activities. Located on ALL three floors of River Park Square, BrrrZAAR is the city’s premier holiday shopping experience.
New Local Restaurants
Speaking of restaurants, Spokane’s culinary scene is most definitely something to brag about. While there are a TON of restaurants worthy of support, I thought I’d shout out a couple of newer businesses to hit the town. The Bad Seed (2936 E. Olympic) is located in a beautiful historic library in Hillyard and focused on Tex-Mex and Kismet (3020 E. Queen) is also in Hillyard and focused on Latin-inspired cuisine.
So back to thinking about great cities. When you attend that Christmas show at Lucky You or connect with friends over coffee at Thomas Hammer. When you find that Spokane-themed gift at From Here or see one of your favorite authors at Aunties. I hope you not only get excited about supporting small, local businesses, but you recognize the unique experiences these businesses provide, making Spokane not only a wonderful place to visit, but my favorite place to call home.