WICKER PARK — Many small business owners do not accept American Express cards because the merchant or "swipe fees" are too high, but on Saturday dozens of stores across Wicker Park, Bucktown and West Town will welcome shoppers' AmEx cards for Small Business Saturday festivities.
Re.Stock at 1448 N. Milwaukee Ave., which offers designer duds at up to 80 percent off, will offer an additional 20-percent discount and give out free pairs of holiday-themed slipper socks with any purchase, while supplies last.
Zen Yoga Garage, 1845 N. Milwaukee Ave., will feature a Saturday morning class with Yogi Danny B, as well as launch a holiday challenge with prizes awarded by raffle. Anyone who completes 25 classes between Thanksgiving and New Year's Eve is eligible, according to an e-newsletter.
Moon Voyage at 2010 W. Pierce St. says that while "jewelry never goes on sale" they will offer 40 percent off designer jewelry through Monday, according to a Facebook post.
Now through Dec. 25, if you do your holiday shopping at Paper Doll, 2027 W. Division St., you'll get a 15 percent off coupon to use in January, as part of the friendly stationary shop's 15th anniversary celebration.
BFF Bikes, a women-focused bike shop at 2113 W. Armitage Ave., will be giving away free goodie bags with any purchase and is also suggesting that cyclists head outdoors on Friday and get exercise rather than hit up the Big Box stores.
And that's just scratching the surface. Have you checked out DNAinfo Chicago's Wicker Park, Bucktown and West Town gift guide, featuring 15 gifts priced from $10- to $300?
Dozens of stores in West Town are also teaming up for WinterFest from noon to 7 p.m. Saturday.
"We are giving the holiday shopping season back to the small, independently owned businesses by showcasing the one-of-a-kind-finds from local artisans, galleries and boutiques in the neighborhood,” said Kara Salgado, Executive Director of the West Town Chicago Chamber of Commerce.
WinterFest headquarters are at Euro Furniture and there will also be a Shop Around the Block event near Chicago and Damen avenues coordinated by Paperish Mess, Ad Hoc, Study Hall, Tarnish and more.
Anticipate hunger pains after all that shopping? Big Star, 1531 N. Damen Ave., just introduced a new fried cheese taco, the "Taco de Queso Asadero," made with grilled asadero cheese, poblano salsa, onions and tomato. "It's stupid good!" the restaurant tweeted.
Special: Taco de Queso Asadero: grilled asadero cheese, poblano salsa, onions and tomato. pic.twitter.com/1nLqmwzQ4g
— Big Star Chicago (@BigStarChicago) November 24, 2015For those who want to create a traditional family photo, the team at Lubinski Furniture, 1550 N. Milwaukee Ave., has put together a festive set-up with a Christmas tree, wrapped presents and decorations. No chestnuts roasting over an open fire, though.
Take a holiday portrait in front of Lubinski Furniture's complimentary holiday display. [DNAinfo/Alisa Hauser]
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