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Business & Tech

Weekend Planner: Stick Around and Shop Local

There's no need hit the mall for holiday gift-giving deals.

There are some heavy shopping days up ahead, such as Black Friday the day after Thanksgiving and Cyber Monday. In between is Small Business Saturday. American Express card users who register their card will get a credit of $25 on their statement when they make a purchase with their card at any small business on Saturday. Check out where to shop to get the credit here.

Royal Oak small businesses are offering some holiday deals for the big shopping weekend, such as:

  • is offering 10 percent off all jewelry Friday and Saturday.
  • is participating in Small Business Saturday with sales throughout the store and offering a free gift with every purchase. Also enjoy free gift wrapping
  • will have 20 percent off Christmas wrapping throughout the season.

Support your community, get some special offerings and enjoy the weekend shopping around town. Here are some more events for holiday shoppers who want to support local shops:

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and wine tastings

  • When: Wine-tastings noon-5 p.m. Friday and noon-5 p.m. Saturday
  • Where:
  • Cost: $10
  • Why go: Vintner's Cellar is kicking off the holiday season and celebrating its three-year anniversary with two wine-tasting events. The first gives shoppers a chance to kick back after a day of finding Black Friday deals with some good wine and snacks. The second wine-tasting event is in celebration of Small Business Saturday. Both events cost $10. 
  • What else: Bring in canned goods to be donated to and receive free holiday labels on wine purchases. A percentage of all bottle sales will be donated to Open Hands Food Pantry, or you can make a donation at the store.

  • When: 1-4 p.m. Saturday
  • Where:
  • Cost: Free
  • Why go: Take some time on the Saturday after Thanksgiving to work on some holiday knitting projects. Bring a friend, your needles or spinning wheel and enjoy!
  • What else: Email amy@­ewe-­nique­knits.­com for more information.


  • When: Store hours: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, noon to 5 p.m. Sunday and 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday
  • Where: Catching Fireflies
  • Cost: Spend $30 to get free gift on Friday; $25 for Small Business Saturday credit; $50 for free shipping Monday.
  • Why go: Stop in and support this small business on Black Friday and get a free Relaxing Shower Burst for spending over $30. On Saturday, In celebration of Small Business Saturday, register your American Express card HERE and spend $25 or more at the store for a $25 credit. On Sunday, get 27 percent off A.I. handmade paper frames, collages, home accessories & magnets, which are made in Royal Oak. Get the deal at the Berkley store or  online with coupon code: HANDMADE.  Finally, save on Cyber Monday with free shipping. Shop online Monday to get the best selection and get free shipping using coupon code: FREESHIP
  • What else: Bursts work by placing on the floor in the shower so the indirect spray activates aromatherapy.  Made of 100 percent essential oils. Shoppers can also pamper a friend with a gift box set of all four blends (click here for an image of the gift box set).


  • When: Noon-10 p.m. Friday
  • Where:
  • Cost: Free
  • Why go: Typically open just Saturdays and Sundays, Rust Belt has opened its doors Friday evenings for holiday shoppers. Rust Belt will offer entertainment and drinks for Black Friday. Also, join the market for a holiday party from 6-10 p.m. Dec. 9, complete with a temporary liquor license, DJ, raffles and bands, according to the venue's website. The Ferndale market supports local artists as they launch start-ups and operate small businesses.
  • What else: Visit the Rust Belt Market for more information and band listings.

For more weekend-things-to-do options, visit our Events guide here. If you'd like to post your own event, .

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