LINCOLN SQUARE — Lincoln Square's small business Davids are pulling out all the stops as they battle big box Goliaths for shoppers' holiday dollars.
Their secret weapon? Glühwein.
Germany's contribution to the mulled wine category, glühwein will feature prominently in Small Business Saturday celebrations in the Square. Consider the gauntlet thrown, Wal-Mart.
DANK Haus will be selling mugs of the stuff in Giddings Plaza from 4-7 p.m., or stop into the Huettenbar anytime after noon for a $5 serving that'll warm your hands and your insides.
Now in its fifth year, Small Business Saturday, drummed up by American Express, continues to gain steam as individual Mom and Pop merchants, as well as neighborhood chambers of commerce, emphasize the value of shopping local.
In addition to the official AmEx promotion — charge $10 or more on your AmEx card at up to three participating stores and receive a $10 credit on your statement — the Lincoln Square Ravenswood Chamber of Commerce has come up with its own reward program, and numerous shops have special discounts and deals planned for Saturday.
The chamber's deal: For every purchase made at a participating store on Saturday (AmEx card not required), shoppers will be entered in a drawing for a $50 gift certificate. Each store will hold a separate drawing, so dropping cash at a variety of shops will increase a person's chances of winning something, somewhere.
Among the deals we found at individual businesses:
- Bring your pup to Urban Pooch, 4501 N. Ravenswood Ave., and have him or her immortalized in a free dog caricature.
- Take 20 percent off micro-scooters at Timeless Toys, 4749 N. Lincoln Ave.
- The more you buy at Fleet Feet, 4762 N. Lincoln Ave., the more you save: 30 percent off one item, 40 percent off two items, and 50 percent off three or more. Select shoes and sports bras are 30-50 percent off.
- At Everlasting Fire Studio, 5036 N. Lincoln Ave., get 10 percent off classes and 20 percent off merchandise except where specified.
- Gallimaufry Gallery, 4712 N. Lincoln Ave., has a great deal on holiday ornaments — buy two, get the third one half off.
- Anything made in Chicago is 15 percent off at Neighborly, 2003 W. Montrose Ave.
- The winter sun can be just as blinding as summer's, especially when it's reflected off snow. Pick up a pair of non-prescription sunglasses for 20 percent off at Eye See Ravenswood, 4735 N. Damen Ave.
Take a (short) break from shopping at 5 p.m. and head to Giddings Plaza for the official tree lighting ceremony and enjoy a performance by the Deutsch-Amerikanischer Kinderchor, while sipping on a cup of glühwein, of course.
For more neighborhood news, listen to DNAinfo Radio here:
