Support Us Button Widget

Shopping small in the Queen City

Charlotte is made up of so many wonderful small businesses, here are a few our readers love in honor of Small Business Saturday.

A brick building with the words "Reigning Doughnuts" on the exterior.

The smell of fresh donuts in NoDa can be followed to Reigning Doughnut’s walk-up window.

Photo via Reigning Doughnuts

Small Business Saturday, an initiative dedicated to celebrating and supporting small and locally-owned businesses + their impact in our communities, is on Saturday, Nov. 30.

The day falls between two of the biggest shopping days of the year — Black Friday and Cyber Monday — and has become an annual shopping tradition for many since its establishment by American Express in 2010.

If you’re looking to join this year’s festivities, check out City Editor Maria + City Editor Jack’s favorite small businesses in town — and some extra suggestions from our followers.

Reigning Doughnuts | City Editor Maria loves starting her day off with a fresh, made-to-order donut from this walk-up window.

Pro tip: Be sure to check their website or social media for special daily flavors.

Mood House | With a location in Dilworth and Cotswold, City Editor Maria recommends melting stress away during a massage session.

Pro tip: There are two holiday packages being offered for a three-pack, 50-minute or 80-minute massage session.

Edge City Brewery | Sip on craft brews + experience relaxed vibes in the taproom.

The Loft at Duckworth’s | City Editor Maria loves to grab a cocktail in this elegant space.

Pro tip: If you purchase a $50 gift card in person, you receive a $10 gift card free.

Park Road Books | City Editor Jack loves visiting this longstanding independent bookstore for his latest reads.

Fun fact: The bookstore hosts monthly book club meetings.

Hidden Treasures Thrift & Consignment | Looking for a new jacket, table, or just need a walk down memory lane? Look no further than this thrift shop in LoSo.

Colorful flowers in various white pots outdoors.

Add a pop of color to any room with a handmade bouquet.

Photo via Gleam Design Co.

Looking for more spots for your shopping spree? Check out these small businesses our followers love:

Gleam Design Co. | “Floral classes are a vibe!” @gleam.clt

The Collective | "[They have] something special for everyone. Flower cart, high end consignment, and local vendors.” @gigi_to_12

Urban Collection Boutique | “We ❤️ ethical fashion” @urbancollection_boutique

Want to share some more small business love? Make sure to tag your favorite local businesses in the comments of our post.

Reminder: Shopping + supporting small isn’t limited to just this day — we love shining a light on local businesses all year long in our collection of City Guides.

More from CLTtoday
Topics discussed included change in the city’s rapidly growing job market + importance of returning to the office.
These upcoming restaurants will provide a tasty flare to every dish in the Queen City.
Check out some of the coolest, most unique Airbnb and Vrbo rentals around Charlotte and plan for your next adventure or staycation.
The college basketball invitational will feature four returning teams, including the UNC Tar Heels.
Got a hot new fling? Hoping to spice things up with your longtime partner? We’re here to help plan your next date night in the Queen City.
Some of the biggest names in tennis arrive in Charlotte to compete and share love for the sport.
Charlotte’s first food hall offers a wide variety of tasty options + space for community that leaves guests coming back.
Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden is hosting its “Holidays at the Garden” through Sunday, Dec. 29.
We asked ChatGPT to write a holiday, Hallmark Channel-inspired plot about Charlotte. It detailed a couple enjoying the holiday season in Uptown, packed with light displays and love.
The nonprofit cinema hopes to build a larger audience welcoming local filmmakers and movie lovers.