In 2010, Small Business Saturday was started as a campaign by American Express to help small businesses gain exposure and encourage shoppers to shop locally.
And with the holidays right around the corner, now is the perfect time to catch the best deals.
Each years since 2020, we have asked the r/Rochester community on Reddit about their favorite places to shop for the holidays.
This is what they suggested for this year:
Figgy Studio
In 2017, Eleanor Rothfuss and Crystal Stanley began making jewelry from their dining room tables. Their passion for working with natural and quality materials pushed them to start their own brand, Figgy Studio.
Now, they have a storefront that features a variety of hand-crafted jewelry, clothing, and accessories from over 60 local artists. For people interested in designing their pieces, they offer personalized design parties and have opened their space for rental if you want to host an event of your own.
Location: 251 Park Ave.
figgypuddingart.com
Millennium Games
Considered to be Rochester’s largest game store, Millennium Games has been providing Rochester’s gaming community with over 1,000 titles in board games, accessories, collectibles and more.
With a 25,000 sq. ft. storefront, they have a space dedicated to special events, tournaments and a game room guests can access free of charge. Not interested in buying games? They are always buying used games and books.
Shoppers with questions can submit a custom order form, which allows you to:
- Put your name down for an upcoming title
- Inquire about restock
- Ask questions about upcoming products
Learn more at millenniumgames.com
Location: 1225 Jefferson Road
Bleak House Books
This family-owned and operated bookstore first opened its doors in Hong Kong in 2017. Like most bookstores, they hosted free events, supported local authors and became a ‘literary oasis” for book lovers.
During their time in Hong Kong, political unrest caused them to close their doors in fall of 2021 and move to the United States. After a year-long hiatus, they found a new home in Honeoye Falls and celebrated a soft launch in June of this year.
Visit bleakhousebooks.com to check out their online shop.
Location: 5 West Main St., Honeoye Falls
More:From Hong Kong to Honeoye Falls: independent bookstore Bleak House Books turns the page
Lift Bridge Yarns
What was started by two friends who shared a love for knitting is now a cozy shop offering a wide selection of yarn, notions and other accessories handcrafted by local curators.
Dawn Verdugo and Jessie McNaughton opened the store just before the COVID-19 pandemic, and with support from the community, were able to sustain themselves through their online store.
Now, they operate out of Fairport and host weekly ‘Stitch and Sit’ events for anyone that want to learn how to knit.
Visit their online store at liftbridgeyarns.com
Location: 23 North Main St., Fairport
We asked and the community answered:
Here is a list of some other small businesses you all shared with us. Check out our list from previous years.
Places to buy Christmas gifts in Rochester:
Just Games, 1601 Penfield Rd, Suite 34, Rochester
Good Vibes Music Shop, 579 Stone Road
Dorje Adornments, 60 Park Ave.
Laura Mady, 215 Alexander St.
Little Button Craft, 658 South Ave.
Statement Boutique, 370 Park Ave.
Welch’s Greenhouses, 1271 Webster-Fairport Road, Rt 250
Paces for food gifts in Rochester:
Winter Swan, 43 Russell St.
Aldaskeller, 289 Gregory St.
Katboocha, 106 Railroad St.
Lulu ROC, 6 North Main St., Fairport