CHICAGO (CBS) — The holiday shopping season is in full swing and shoppers are encouraged to shop local on Small Business Saturday.
Neighborhoods including Humboldt Park, Lincoln Square and Ravenswood are offering additional deals and special events in honor of shopping day.
Lincoln Square and Ravenswood will have Victorian carolers, and Santa Claus will be available for photos. There will also be a tree lighting ceremony later in the day. The event starts at 11am
In West Pullman, at least nine Black-owned small businesses from around the area will host free holiday photos, donuts and hot chocolate, some festive craft projects and a winter coat drive for anyone who wants to bring in donations. They will be bringing coats for those in need through Christmas Eve.
The Bronzeville neighborhood encourages people to shop local, and so does Rogers Park. They go all out with tree lighting and a 3D snow globe photo wall.
Community leaders and Mayor Brandon Johnson spoke at a cafe in Humboldt Park to kick off the local holiday shopping season.
“Our small businesses are what I call the soul of Chicago,” Johnson said. “This is where the community comes together, this is where the community thrives, and that is why I have committed to continuing to invest in small businesses.
The store owner of Café Colao in Humboldt Park said Saturdays are generally busy, but they do expect an increase in sales for Small Business Saturday, something most businesses also expect during a busy holiday shopping season.
Asal Rezaei
