Shop local this holiday season on Spring Street

NEWTON — The Annual Greater Newton Chamber of Commerce Holiday Parade will kick off Small Business Saturday this Saturday, Nov. 29, at 10 a.m. Themed "Christmas Through the Ages" in honor of Newton's 150 year celebration, the parade will serpentine down Spring Street.

Founded in 2010 to help small businesses attract more customers, Small Business Saturday is a celebration of the entrepreneurial spirit and urges people to patronize local businesses. Businesses on Spring Street will be ready for customers after the parade offering everything from gift items, to specials, to discounts, to drawings, to open house celebrations that will extend into the evening.

Vicki and Al Kopacka are both professional musicians and owners of What in the World, a store filled with all kinds of jewelry, tapestries, figurines, serving dishes, drums, cards and gifts from all over the world. The Kopackas are huge believers in using only Fair Trade vendors which means the individuals in small villages around the world are fairly compensated for the items they create. Their store is located within the Springboard Shoppes, which is a retail incubator that helps businesses get a start.

“We have lots of unique items you won't find anywhere else around hear,” Vicki Kopacka said.

Also located within The Springboard Shoppes, The Table features a host of warm and cold beverages, delectable goodies and free Wi Fi.

Spring Street Art Center is another business offering a host of art classes and a place where artists can go to work.

Sensible Addictions, located at 127 Spring Street, features lotions, candles, skin care products, shampoos and conditioners all of which can be custom-scented with any aroma. Popular this holiday are milk chocolate/peppermint, sugar cookie and a host of other combinations.

“It makes sense to shop locally," Manager Louie Nappi said. "This way you keep the town going.”

The store will also have a Santa and Friends Workshop on Saturday, Dec. 13 where kids can help Santa custom blend a lotion for a gift.

PB&J Stores opened at the Springboard Shoppes in 2009 and expanded to their current location in 2011.

Owned by Sara and Jim Megletti, they chose the name "because we think our shopping experience is as easy as peanut butter and jelly — we're super friendly people and we make shopping convenient, fun and familiar, just like old-fashioned comfort food."

"The public is constantly bombarded by big-box retail offers which makes it extremely difficult for small retailers like me to catch and keep consumers' attention. Yet, small retail in America accounts for 52.6 percent of all retail sales, and about 89.8 percent of the U.S. working population is employed by a small business. If the public does not support their local small retailer, they go out of business."

On Saturday, PB&J Stores will offer a one-day-only, in-store specials on gift items, and are emailing a special 20 percent off thank-you coupon to their customers. They will also be kicking off the holidays with refreshments all day Saturday, and we'll be open until 8 p.m.

The Style Shoppe has been in Newton for more than 75 years and is the county's longest-standing men's shop offering everything for the business man as well as for that well-dressed weekend. Owner John Tolerico, said the store will have some discounts on Saturday and throughout the season.

Interplay Women's Wearable Art's slogan is, “You can look like all of them or you can look like one of you.” It featuring everything from furs to jackets to dress, shoes and accessories. The shop is located at 156 Spring Street.

“We have our international designer fur sale on for 30 to 50 percent off and some amazing accessories and gift items from all over the world. In addition our shoes and booties will be on sale,” said Lynn Cohen of Hampton.

After 35 years as a booming business in Soho, N.Y., Cohen "merged the life" by opening the store in Newton to be able to live on the farm the family has in Hampton.

Cornwell Clocks is running a sale offering 20 percent off the entire store. The sale is on for Small Business Saturday, but has already started and will run until Christmas. Cornwell Clocks is located on the actual square at 69 Spring Street.

For the pet lover, Maxwell & Molly's Closet, owned by Bonnie Bitando offers an array of USA made products and every item in the store has been carefully examined and hand selected to meet her specification. New to the store is its Holistic Pet Grooming Salon.

"We absolutely love Small Business Saturday," Bitando proclaimed.

Maxwell & Molly's will have the coffee pot on, stay open late and offer savings coupons for ever $25 spent.

"It's going to be a great event and the whole town just lights up starting with the parade. Come celebrate Newton's fantastic small businesses."

Feels Like Home is at 185 Spring Street. Owners Bill and Susan Longcore, of Green, have been in the antique business since 1985 and on Spring Street for the past seven years. They carry a huge array of antiques, home essentials and model trains. They are huge Small Business Saturday fans and last years winner of a street-wide window painting competition held among the local stores. This year, in addition to some deals, patrons who spend $25 or more will be entered into a drawing to win a custom-made “Shop Small” canvas bag filled with gifts.

Located at 161 Spring Street, Charm features all kinds of antique and vintage furniture, home accents and girts.

Owner Kristien Stoll and her crew have been moving in some new pieces for the holidays.

Eaton's Estate Services is based on the foundation of purchasing household inventory at competitive prices.

Patrons can also check out the windows in town while shopping and enter a vote for the best one. The winning business gets bragging rights for a year and one person who voted will be randomly chose to receive a gift basket filled with gift certificates and goodies.