Humboldt County spots turn to Small Business Saturday – Times-Standard

Local manufacturers and sellers are teaming up with brick-and-mortar businesses in Humboldt County to create pop-up shops and holiday markets for Small Business Saturday.

Alanna Powell, executive director of Humboldt Made, has always been in favor of supporting local businesses, but she said this year “is more important than ever”.

“Small businesses contribute so much to our local community – more than most people realize,” she said. “Between creating jobs, bringing taxpayer money to our neighborhoods and allowing these small businesses to give back. Another economic impact that we don’t realize is that these businesses support other local events in their community far more than businesses. It’s not necessarily just about the money you spend on local businesses, but think about who they employ and where their money is spent.

Powell gave the Humboldt County community credit for “incredibly supporting” local businesses.

“There is something about the people of Humboldt County, we are committed to supporting our community and I have full confidence that we will continue to do so,” she said.

While the coronavirus pandemic has presented unprecedented challenges for small businesses, Powell said she has given many people the opportunity to “get creative and double down on their marketing strategies.”

“One of the things that really stood out to me is how many of our Humboldt Made companies, in particular, have just doubled their branding, their brand voice and connected to their customers on a deeper level because that the pandemic was such a vulnerable place, ”she continued. “Take the Six Rivers Brewery, for example. “

Since the start of the pandemic, staff at Six Rivers Brewery in McKinleyville have partnered with local suppliers to showcase what Humboldt County manufacturers have to offer.

“I definitely know that I get really excited every time I go to a restaurant, bar, or grocery store and see my product on the shelves, so being able to offer this opportunity to as many other local vendors as possible is really important. , ”Said Meredith Maier, co-owner of Six River Brewery. “If we can sell a case of hot sauce and a case of coffee every week to a local vendor, I know it helps their bottom line and it will help them continue to grow their business. “

In addition to the “local market” showcasing locally made products, Maier said the brewery has also started welcoming local vendors.

“As soon as all kinds of festivals were canceled, I emailed the Humboldt Made Friday Night Market Vendor List inviting them to come and settle here. We did these kinds of pop-ups every Friday and Saturday, ”she said.

Maier said Saturday’s pop-up wasn’t necessarily a Saturday event for small businesses, but said she encouraged people to buy locally and meet local manufacturers in person.

“This Saturday we actually have a first-time saleswoman, Esther la Zester, she makes spices and spice kits. We also have an artist from McKinleyville who makes lamps from recycled bottles, ”she said.

Esther the Zester recently began writing a food column for The Times-Standard covering “a life of flavor, one spice at a time” to stress-free holiday meal prep.

“We’re going to keep these pop-ups in perpetuity,” Maier said. “As long as we have providers who are still active and willing to show up, we will continue to host. … Honestly, it was really fun. It’s fun for the staff as well as for the customers who come as it adds extra energy to the brewery.

Local offers

Arcata Main Street has run a coupon book with discounts for a large number of Arcata businesses. Small business Saturday festivities will start in Arcata Square during the Farmer’s Market and continue into the evening with the lighting of the square Christmas tree at 5:30 p.m.

If you are going to:

• What: Small Business Saturday
• When: Saturday, November 27, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Where: Place Arcata

Eureka Main Street also encourages people to shop locally this holiday season. Eureka businesses will partner with other local manufacturers to set up pop-up shops and offer specials for Small Business Saturdays.

Those who spend at least $ 10 at participating local businesses will be entered into a draw for gift certificates of $ 25 or more from those merchants. The holiday shopping raffle will take place on Monday, December 20. The three lucky winners will be contacted by phone or email.

The Fortuna Chamber of Commerce launched a Facebook campaign earlier this month urging members of the community to buy locally for the holidays. The # 1 reason for shopping locally is to support your neighbors, according to the chamber.

“When you shop locally, you are supporting your neighbors and they are, in turn, more likely to keep the money you spent with them locally as well,” the chamber wrote in a Facebook post, adding that out of every 100 $ spent locally, $ 68 stays local.

The folks in downtown Ferndale are bringing in vacation bonus dollars to encourage people to go out for Small Business Saturdays in Ferndale.

“Starting this Saturday, Nov. 27, you can buy $ 50 in Ferndale dollars and get an additional $ 20 to spend by Jan. 31, 2022,” according to the downtown Ferndale Facebook page. “That means for $ 50, you can give someone a $ 70 gift! ⁠ These ‘bonus’ gift cards were brought to you by a generous donation from Giffels Webster. “

The Southern Humboldt Business and Visitors Bureau will host the Artisan Holiday pop-up store in Garberville until Christmas Eve.

If you are going to:

• What: Southern Humboldt Artisan Holiday Pop-Up Store
• When: Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. until December 24
• Where: 784 Redwood Drive in Garberville

The Stuudiio will host the Solstice Holiday Market in Eureka until Christmas Eve. The Soltice Holiday Market offers a cornucopia of goods made by small brands and local artisans.

If you are going to:

• What: Solstice Holiday Market
• When: Monday to Friday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and weekends from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Where: The Stuudiio, 422 First Street in Eureka.

Pierson’s Building Center will host its Christmas store with ornaments, gifts and decorations from nearly 300 Humboldt County manufacturers, more than ever before, according to a Pierson spokesperson. The Christmas store will be open during business hours until Christmas.

Scotia Lodge will also be hosting its first Holiday Makers Marketplace this weekend.

If you are going to:

• What: Holidaymakers’ market
• When: Saturday November 27 and Sunday November 28 from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m.
• Where: Scotia Lodge, 100 Main Street in Scotia.

Isabella Vanderheiden can be reached at 707-441-0504.