Small Business Saturday, The 2020 Edition

There’s no doubt that 2020 has brought our local businesses many challenges this year, and it’s safe to say we’ve all felt the impact one way or another. With so many businesses closing their doors in the Twin Cities and beyond, their role in our community has never been more transparent.

Just how much of a presence and impact do small businesses have? The SBA (Small Business Administration) reports over 28 million small businesses operating in the U.S. alone. And since 1995, those small businesses have generated 66% of all new jobs in the United States. Small businesses are a big deal. Which brings us to Small Business Saturday, a nationally recognized holiday coming up on the Saturday after Thanksgiving.

So what better time to encourage the ‘shop small’ movement and the gesture of supporting small businesses, even outside of holiday shopping. Which of your favorite small businesses need support now? Whether it’s the cafe down the street that has the best biscuits in town, the local gym that has helped you reach your goals, or that consignment shop that always has a unique curation of antiques. We want to pay homage to all of the local places that contribute to making the Twin Cities feel a little more like home, especially during the holiday season. We’ve asked our VIBE agents to share some of their favorite small businesses and what they love about them:

14 Hill, Cara Quinn

14 Hill located on Chicago Avenue in Minneapolis has a curation of quality merch or what they reference as “A hodgepodge of cool sh*t.” Basically, everything you never knew you wanted! The perfect stop if you’re looking for a holiday gift, and the best part is that they carry items from local designers and artisans - so you can hit all the birds with one stone on your venture to shop small. 
14hill.com

“14 Hill is my go-to local shop for personalized gifts and the occasional treat for myself. It offers a curated selection of home decor, clothing accessories, jewelry, bath products, Minnesota-themed gifts and more. Everything is beautifully displayed, and the service is authentic and kind. It’s a true neighborhood gem!” -Cara

Photo Courtesy of @14hillgiftshop

Ingebretsen's, Laura Bernard

A true celebration of the Nordic heritage, Ingebreten’s is a unique Minneapolis deli that opened in 1921 and specializes in traditional Scandinavian items (and Christmas goods!) Picture an old-fashioned meat market laden with delicious homemade products, and that’s just what you’ll get. Stop here for your holiday food haul this year! From fine meats to imported cheese and unique delicacies, you’ll wind up with the perfect spread.
ingebretsens.com

“This meat market on Lake Street has been in Minneapolis for over 90 years! Talk about a classic. They have some of the best Christmas shopping around and it always smells like my grandma’s kitchen!” -Laura

Photo Courtesy of @ingebertsens

Aesthetic Home, Dan Schneider

Aesthetic Home is the perfect destination for classic, modern and urban home furnishings. They specialize in collaborative design and styling, and are locally and family-owned. Who’s up for some furniture shopping?!
aesthetichomemn.com

“My favorite small business in the Twin Cities is hands down Aesthetic Home, located right across the street from the VIBE office. It gives a whole new meaning to eclectic home decor. You can find great high quality pieces as well as unique vintage items. Expect a different experience every time you visit! The owners are the best, and seem to make friends with every customer who walks in!” -Dan 

Photo Courtesy of @aesthetichomemn

Marc Heu Patisserie Paris, Timothy Luedtke

Has the holiday season sweet tooth set in for anyone yet? (We just like to use this time of year as an excuse to inhale sugar regularly.) The desserts from Marc Heu are outstanding, known for their hazelnut mousse cake, choux cake and lychee macaron cake. Grab some items to-go and bring them to your family / holiday gatherings!
marcheuparis.com

Photo Courtesy of @marcheupatisserieparis

Encore Boutique, Paige Kahle

Encore Boutique is located in the Mac Groveland neighborhood on the corner of St. Clair and Hamline in Saint Paul. This shop has stylish women's clothing ranging from vintage to couture. If you love a good hunt for threads, this spot is for you!
encoreboutiquestpaul.com

“My all-time favorite small business is Encore Boutique. You can't beat the prices, and Molly, the owner is great - she even has funny little signs throughout the shop that are guaranteed to make you laugh out loud. It's always a fun shopping experience when I go to Encore. *Mention VIBE when you go to Encore and get 10% off any purchase over $50 through the end of November.* -Paige

Photo Courtesy of @encoreboutiquestpaul

Colossal Cafe, Mariah Hamm

Talk about cultivating community, no place does it better than a little street cafe that embodies laughter, connection, and conversation. Colossal Cafe is a simple eatery offering a range of American fare such as hot breakfasts, sandwiches & pastries. Check out their take & bake Thanksgiving dinner and pre-order by Nov. 25th.
colossalcafe.com

 “It's so hard to pick just *one* local business that I love. BUT one of my favorites is Colossal Cafe on Grand Ave in Saint Paul. All of their food is incredible (I recommend anything breakfast, especially their pancakes, or biscuits!), but it's also just a nostalgic place for myself and my partner. When we moved to Saint Paul we lived 3 blocks West and would bring any out-of-town visitors to our favorite breakfast place. Needless to say we have shared many laughs and delicious breakfasts there with family and friends.”  -Mariah

Photo Courtesy of @colossalcafe 

Movables Consignment, Meghan Howard

This sweet shop is located in Highland Park, Saint Paul. Their team's mission is to connect everyone in the local community within a space to buy, sell, and experience decor and home furnishings. It's also a great spot to pick up a holiday gift for your vintage loving friend. ;)
movablesconsignment.com

“My very favorite small, local business to frequent and support is Movables Consignment. Not only does it go hand in hand with home buying (you can find the best furniture and home decor at this corner shop!) but also, Movables is owned by an amazing, talented, hard working entrepreneur - Kate! I love their quality home furnishings on consignment. No need to buy new when the items at Movables are fantastic and ready for a new home. Reuse, and go green! You can't go wrong supporting this sweet, savvy, women-owned business.” -Meghan

Photo Courtesy of @moveablesconsigment

The Athlete Lab, Karin Doyle

The Athlete Lab is a female owned and operated gym in the Twin Cities that specializes in changing lives through fitness. No need to worry about packing on that holiday weight here. ;)
theathletelab.com

“The Athlete Lab is my favorite gym in Little Canada. A supportive community of people who come together to fitness. Great people, programming and coaching! TAL supports the athlete in all of us!” -Karin

Photo Courtesy of @theathletelab

Annona Gourmet, Stephanie Russell

Another incredible gourmet grocery store for your seasonal food runs. They are small, independently owned and known as Minnesota's premiere olive oil and vinegar bar. Need to know more?! 
annonagourmet.com

 “Love this little shop in St. Anthony that sells gourmet olive oil and vinegar, plus the owner does great work in the community!” -Stephanie 

Photo Courtesy of @annonagourmet

What are some of your favorite small businesses in the Twin Cities that deserve a shout out? We’d love to hear about them! And remember, as we’re touching on supporting and shopping small, uplifting your community doesn’t have to require money or a large amount of time - just taking a moment to explore the businesses near you can be rewarding, and feeling informed and connected to your community can give you a positive boost, too. Tis’ the season for all that, right?