Since 2010, Small Business Saturday has been a national holiday dedicated to supporting our nation’s small, local, and independently-owned businesses. As local small business owners ourselves, we’re always looking for ways to get the word out about our business and those other small businesses in the Madison area that we love and want to see succeed.
In honor of the upcoming holiday, we have put together a list with just a few options to shop small this Saturday and beyond. Have a favorite local business? Make sure to let us know in the comments!
1| bad dog frida
Image source: Channel 3000
In the up-and-coming Atwood neighborhood sits (good girl!) bad dog frida, a small pet boutique with big variety—and heart. Winner of Mad Faves from the Isthmus in 2017, bad dog frida offers lovingly-selected treats, toys, apparel and more for cats and dogs. Their dedicated staff is ready to make the perfect recommendation for your furry friend. As Madison Magazine said, “For bad dog frida co-owners and partners Carmen Alcalde and Sue Hunter, every customer and pet are celebrities when they walk through the door.”
2| Harvest
Image source: madisonoriginals.com
On the Capitol Square is Harvest, a growing gourmet eatery with major chops. As they say, their “evolving menu takes advantage of the great variety of local and organic ingredients raised by this region's farmers.” Accolades include a “top 20 restaurant in America” from Organic Style Magazine and “one of America's top Farm-to-Table restaurants” by Gourmet Magazine. Make your reservations now!
3| The Century House
Image source: Century House Inc.
Back in 1948, The Century House was founded as a small pottery studio. Over the past 70 years, the studio has grown to become one of Madison’s best local retailers of Scandinavian and Modern furniture, accessories, and gifts. This trend-setting local business also offers business interiors and design services out of two locations conveniently located in the Hilldale neighborhood.
4| Estacion Inka
Image source: Badger Herald
As their website explains, “Whether you’re looking for exciting or classic flavors, Estacion Inka is your number one choice for casual Peruvian food in Madison.” This local favorite is located on University Avenue, a perfect and convenient spot for a delicious lunch if you’re a UW student or work in one of the many downtown offices.
5| ReThreads
Image source: ReThreads Facebook page
Fashion is recyclable. That is ReThread’s motto, and our closets are all the better for believing it, too. There are two locations, one on State Street and another on the West side on Odana Road. You’ll be delighted by what you find—for instance, an Anthropologie dress for less than 20% of the original retail price.
6| Us—RM Cleaning!
We’re a small business located in Madison too! When you hire us to clean your home, you’re helping Madison residents earn a living and support their families. We take pride in giving our employees fair wages and flexible work hours so they can be there for their families when they need them. Furthermore, all that we earn goes back into the Madison economy. We’re not a franchise, so we don’t have to pay franchise fees for large national or international corporations. And just like you, we also try to support other local businesses whenever possible, such as by purchasing some of our cleaning supplies from the Willy Street Co-Op right here in Madison.
Ready to show your local businesses some love this upcoming Saturday? We hope so! To learn more about Small Business Saturday, check out this article from the Isthmus.
Love our list? Keep tabs on our blog for cleaning tricks, decor ideas, and lifestyle tips like this list of romantic date night ideas for Madison couples.
Happy Small Business Saturday!