Shopping local is always a healthy exercise. It’s even more important this weekend because Nov. 25, is Small Business Saturday, just as the holiday shopping season kicks off. 

Small Business Saturday encourages consumers to shop in the local community and support local businesses.

West Columbia small businesses include: clothing shops, jewelers, restaurants, bakeries, salons and service providers. These businesses are looking forward to Saturday. 

Kyle Cullum is the owner of a local business. He founded Threads Embroidery 18 years ago. It’s at 601 12th St., in Triangle City.

“I’m here everyday in the middle of West Columbia where my customers can find me. I interact personally with them, too,” he said. “And that personal touch is part of the value of doing business with people you know. I definitely encourage everyone to do business locally. I’ve made a lot of friends that way and it’s fulfilling to feel like you’re a contributing part of the community. Over the years Threads has built a lot of great relationships. When you know the people you are working with, you want to make sure you are proud of the job you are doing for them.”

Brooke Rakowsky is the owner of Savage Hair Studio. She opened her shop at 841 Meeting St. six years ago.

“Owning a small business has been a fantastic experience,” she said. “In this business it’s very important to get to know your customers and do a good job. I also think good customer service is important when your clientele is local. We stress good customer service. Because of that we’ve not only been able to stay open, but we have thrived and our business has continued to grow. I plan to stay here because of the success we’ve had at this location. 

Small Business Saturday is not the only thing going on Nov. 25. Clemson comes to Columbia for a big college football showdown with the Gamecocks. There are some local businesses that will have the TVs tuned to the game. Bill’s Pickin’ Parlor at 710 Meeting St. is having a game-watching party beginning at 6 p.m. and D’s Wings at 425 Meeting Street is one of the top venues in town to watch college football on Saturday.  

Around 80 percent of the Greater Cayce-West Columbia Chamber of Commerce members are small businesses. Most of those businesses have a small number of employees. Across the United States, 99 percent of all businesses have fewer than 500 employees. Those businesses are considered small businesses. C-WC Chamber President and CEO Tim James is a strong advocate of small business and he is looking forward to Small Business Saturday.

“Small Business Saturday is a time to Shop Local,” James said. “When you shop locally, you will receive personalized service, and it’s an opportunity for you to invest back into the community that serves you. As a Chamber, we encourage everyone to help our local economy by keeping your dollars local, to Love Local and support our hometown businesses.”

Another benefit to shopping at a small local business is the opportunity to buy unique gifts. State Street Trading Co. at 134 State Street has many West Columbia-themed items. The shop features lots of artwork by local artists depicting scenes from different sites in West Columbia. Paintings of the store fronts of historic State Street are available and there are paintings of the iconic Gervais Street Bridge with the Congaree River flowing under it. State Street Trading Co. also has the “Very Merry WECO Christmas” ornaments in stock.    

Also, many small businesses present handmade treasures crafted by talented local artisans just in time for the holiday season at West Columbia’s Meeting Street Market at 415 Meeting Street. The Holiday Market will be open on the Saturdays of Dec. 2, Dec. 9, and Dec. 16 from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m.

Stroll through a winter wonderland of artisan booths showcasing everything from handcrafted jewelry and art pieces to delicious homemade treats. It’s the perfect opportunity to find one-of-a-kind gifts for your loved ones while supporting the artistic community right here in WeCo. The Meeting Street Artisan Holiday Market is where creativity and holiday cheer collide.

Get your Christmas shopping started at a West Columbia small business. Your support is very much appreciated and helps the people in your community. 

Small Business Saturday also provides an excellent opportunity to patronize West Columbia’s specialty shops, restaurants and antique stores. Some are listed below:

• State Street Trading Co. – 134 State Street – (803) 550-9048
• Zesto – 504 12th St, – (803) 794-4652
• Old Mill Antique Mall – 310 State St. – (803) 796-4229
• Ronnie’s Jewelers – 710 12th St. – (803) 739-1800
• Three Rivers Antiques – 615 Meeting St. – (803) 814-2102
• Dan Rich Furniture –  255 Charleston Hwy. – (803) 794-5750
• 763 Meeting Street Antiques – 763 Meeting St. – (803) 796-1516
• Meeting Street Interiors – 614 Meeting St. – (803) 791-0008
• Attic Fanatic – 251 Charleston Hwy. – (803) 828-4036
• ADD VINTAGE – 1217 Augusta Rd. – (803) 821-8208
• Parks Furniture Antiques Ltd – 3131 Sunset Blvd – (803) 791-4071
• The Elephant Trunk – 2931 Platt Springs Rd – (803) 791-8765
• The Warehouse SC – 312 State St. – (803) 834-7557
• Grecian Gardens Restaurant – 2312 Sunset Blvd – 803-794-7552
• Cafe Strudel – 300 State St. – (803) 794-6634
• Compton’s Kitchen – 1118 B Ave – 803 791-0750
• Buttercream Dreams – 1230 C Ave. – (803) 708-4485
• Hite’s BBQ – 240 Dreher Rd. – (803) 794-4120
• The Original Brunches – 2245 Leaphart Rd – (803) 791-7477
• Jimmy’s Mini Mart/Citgo – 812 Meeting St. – (803) 794-0090
• Breads and Such – 1220 C Ave. – (803) 851-0566
• Maurice’s Piggie Park – 1600 Charleston Highway – 803-796-0220J
• Nick’s House of Pizza Restaurant- 1082 A Sunset Blvd – 803-794-9240
• DeLuccas 1720 Sunset Blvd. – 803- 926-5255
• Ariana’s Greek Restaurant – 1720 Sunset Blvd. – (803) 796-4430
• Lizard’s Thicket – 2234 Sunset Blvd. 803 – 794-0923
• Always Original Bakery – 501 Meeting St. – (803) 977-0034
• Jin Jin Chinese Restaurant – 469 Sunset Blvd. (803) 739-8888
• Chick-fil-A -2299 Augusta Rd. – (803) 939-1600
• Rush’s 2332 Sunset Blvd. – (803) 796-5034
• Love A Cup Bakery –  2213 Augusta Rd. – (803) 828-3773