As the holiday season approaches, Small Business Saturday is a great reminder to support your favorite local businesses to find interesting, thoughtful gifts. According to the US Chamber, for every dollar spent at a small business, an average of $0.67 stays in that business's local neighborhood. So we've picked out a small handful of our favorite spots - from coast to coast - that have great holiday options for friends and family alike.
From quaint local shops to family-owned brands, these locally-owned businesses have your shopping list covered with everything from farm fresh meats and cheeses to high-end handmade gifts. And while you're out shopping, don't forget to pick up a bottle of Mountain Valley Spring Water for holiday cooking and entertaining!
Birmingham, AL
We are completely charmed by The Son of a Butcher, a full service, family-owned Butcher Shop providing high quality provisions for cooks of all skill levels in Birmingham, Alabama.
At The Son of a Butcher, they work with small producers that allow them more access into the inner workings of the farms to build trust. With over 30 years of combined experience in specialty food, their cheesemongers and specialists are focused on bringing the best cheese and specialty products from all over the world to Birmingham including their favorite local and regional producers.
In addition to meats and cheeses, The Son of a Butcher shop includes a selection of artisanal dried pastas, olive oils, vinegars, tinned seafood and olives. If food is your gift giving love language, then this is the place for you. Learn more at their website here.
West Palm Beach, FL
The BBQ experts over at Tropical Smokehouse, helmed by Mountain Valley Spring Water Culinary Ambassador Rick Mace and his partner Jason Lakow, recently opened up Tropical BBQ Market, blending the best of both worlds: their famous Florida BBQ that's attracted the attention of the James Beard Foundation with an upscale deli market.
The 1,900-square-foot space in downtown West Palm Beach includes a bar & dining area, as well as the market where high-quality meats, salads and other menu items that have become synonymous with the beloved brand can be purchased.
Maybe pick up one of these Brisket, Egg & Cheese sandos and a bottle of Mountain Valley Spring Water to enjoy while you shop? Just an idea. Learn more at their website here.
Little Rock, AR
The Green Corner Store, in our great home state of Arkansas, is an independent, locally owned store located in downtown Little Rock open since 2009.
The Green Corner Store is known for their wide assortment of Arkansas-made products ranging from food, tea and coffee, bath and body, cards and handmade jewelry and gifts.
In addition to fine Arkansas goods, The Green Corner Store brews over 35 different kinds of quality loose leaf teas that they serve up at their Tea Bar in specialty drinks and lattes along with pour over coffees and kombucha on tap. Learn more at their website here.
Malibu, CA
Whether you're looking for that perfect live edge wood slab, a fireplace mantel, or a rustic piece of furniture, you'll find what you're looking for at The Forest Store in Hooks, Texas.
The Forest Store, by the historic Phillips Forest Products, is perhaps best known for its rustic furniture, unique home goods, lumbers and woodworking equipment and finishes.
Additionally, The Forest Store features a robust collection of wood art, cutting boards, seasonings, soy candles and other handmade products for the home, making it a great stop for that one-of-a-kind find. Learn more at their website here.
We hope you'll consider some of these small businesses or those in your own neighborhood this holiday season!
And if you'd like to find out where Mountain Valley might be found in your own backyard, check out our retail locator here. Our iconic green glass bottles make great stocking stuffers, if we do say so ourselves. Happy shopping!
