Shop Local Today - It’s Small Business Saturday!

Issue #286

30 Nov

In this What’s Up Columbia issue…

🗓 List of Upcoming Events

🌥 Columbia Weather - Mostly cloudy with a high of 46 / low of 29

🛍 Shop Local Today - It’s Small Business Saturday!

💵 Keep Your Dollars in Maury County With Local First Gift Cards

😇 Take Advantage of VidAngel’s Biggest Sale of the Year!

🎄 Tonight: A Very Pleasant Christmas Tree Lighting

👉 Check Out The Ultimate Guide to Holiday Fun in Maury County & More Here

🎵 This Week’s Live Music

⛑ Looking For Ways to Help Victims of Hurricane Helene? Click Here

🗓 Know of Some Local Events Not Listed? Send us the Details!

Upcoming Local Events

🗓 Have an event to add? Send us the Details!

Saturday, November 30th (160th Anniversary of the Battle of Franklin)

Sunday, December 1st

Monday, December 2nd

Tuesday, December 3rd

*More events coming soon!

Shop Local Today - It’s Small Business Saturday!

Recognizing the vital role small businesses play in the community, Mayor Chaz Molder has officially proclaimed November 30th as Small Business Saturday in Columbia.

Celebrated annually on the Saturday after Thanksgiving, Small Business Saturday was established in 2010 by American Express to encourage shoppers to support small, independently-owned businesses and help communities thrive. As an alternative to Black Friday and Cyber Monday, which focus on big-box retailers and online shopping, Small Business Saturday shines a spotlight on the unique charm and economic importance of small businesses. Local businesses are essential to Columbia’s economy, hiring locally, reinvesting earnings back into the community, and offering distinctive goods and services. Shopping locally keeps tax dollars in Columbia, directly funding schools, public safety, infrastructure, and other vital services.

“Small Business Saturday is more than just a shopping day—it’s an opportunity to make a real difference in our community,” said Mayor Chaz Molder. “By choosing to shop local, we help keep Columbia’s economy strong and ensure that the unique businesses we love continue to thrive. I encourage everyone to shop small and show their support for the heart of our city.”

The event encourages shoppers to explore Columbia’s downtown area and discover its diverse range of small businesses offering one-of-a-kind holiday gifts, delicious dining options, and exceptional services. The impact of shopping small is significant. According to the U.S. Small Business Administration, 68 cents of every dollar spent at a small business stays in the local community, creating an additional 48 cents in local business activity. Small businesses also represent 99.7% of firms with paid employees in the United States, employing nearly half of the private-sector workforce.

City Manager Tony Massey emphasized the economic importance of local businesses: “Local businesses provide jobs, invest in Columbia, and contribute to the community’s identity. Supporting them isn’t just good for business—it’s essential for our city’s growth and sustainability.”

As the holiday season kicks off, Columbia residents are encouraged to make Small Business Saturday a priority by visiting local shops, restaurants, and service providers. By shopping small, residents play a crucial role in ensuring the continued growth, prosperity, and unique charm of Columbia.

“Downtown Columbia offers a one-of-a-kind shopping experience,” said Columbia Main Street Director Kelli Johnson. “From boutique stores to specialty shops, our small businesses have something for everyone. Shopping small keeps our downtown lively and strengthens the bonds that make our community special.”

Join the movement to shop small and support Columbia’s vibrant small business community.

**When thinking about which businesses you’d like to support… Be sure to check out Maury Alliance’s Local First Holiday Guide, featuring local shops and dining!

Keep Your Dollars in Maury County With Local First Gift Cards

Maury County Local First Gift Cards are Maury Alliance’s way of promoting local businesses and members by encouraging gift giving that keeps dollars in Maury County. They are the perfect gift for employee appreciation, holidays, teachers, special acknowledgment, realtor closings, or as a ‘welcome to the community’ gift.

Gift cards are available in $10 & $25 increments and can be purchased and picked up at the Maury Alliance office, located at 106 West 6th Street, Columbia, TN, or you may buy online and then pick up your cards at the Maury Alliance office using this link.

With over 67 participating retailers and restaurants, they are the perfect gift for anyone on your list. Unlike a traditional gift card, the money is guaranteed to stay in Maury County and supports local business.

Local First Gift Cards may be used at any participating business in Maury County. The entire card must be used in one transaction, though participating merchants may choose to give store credit for any remaining amount if the recipient’s total does not equal the face value of the card.

Find more information here.

Participating businesses include:

(Sponsor)

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Tonight: A Very Pleasant Christmas Tree Lighting

Get ready for a magical evening in downtown Mount Pleasant!

There’s something for everyone: Meet Santa and his friends, Delicious eats at the Food Truck Zone, Festive fun in the Kid Zone 

Bundle up, bring your holiday cheer, and get ready for a magical evening full of entertainment, food, and holiday joy! 

4 P.M. Food Trucks and Kid Zone opens

6 P.M. Tree Lighting

Downtown Mount Pleasant Library
200 Hay Long Ave, Mount Pleasant

🎵 This Week’s Live Music

Saturday, November 30th

TBD, Natchez Hills Vineyard, 4-7 PM
November Blue, McCreary's Irish Pub, 7-9 PM
Christmas Barn Bash w/ David Phelps, The Barn at the Phelps Farm (Culleoka), 7 PM
Kenny Durham Trio, Puckett’s, 7:30-9 PM
CJ & The Whiskey Sundown Band, Fozzy's Bar & Grill, 8-11 PM

Sunday, December 1st

TBD, Natchez Hills Vineyard, 1-4 PM
Christmas Barn Bash w/ David Phelps, The Barn at the Phelps Farm (Culleoka), 7 PM
Jay Hoppus, Puckett’s, 6-7:30 PM

👇 Click the Links to Learn About our Local Business Sponsors! 👇

Want to get your business in What’s Up Columbia? Let’s talk