In an economy dominated by big-box retailers, Small Business Saturday gives small, locally owned retailers and vendors a chance to shine.
Small Business Saturday started in 2010 as a counterpart to Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Annually held on the Saturday after Thanksgiving, Small Business Saturday encourages holiday shoppers to frequent local brick-and-mortar stores. As part of the celebration, these businesses typically offer deals and discounts for customers.
Northern Kentucky is home to 36 cities spread across three counties, each featuring its own unique Main Street business districts lined with eclectic small businesses. With the holiday season right around the corner, small businesses across the region are gearing up for Small Business Saturday – one of the most impactful local shopping events of the calendar year. This year’s Small Business Saturday takes place on Nov. 29.
Sandi Stonebraker, owner of Stoney’s Etc. at 323 W. 6th St. in Covington’s Mainstrasse neighborhood, emphasized to LINK nky the importance of residents supporting local businesses, especially in today’s economic climate.
Stoney’s offers toys, board games, art supplies, and homemade art, among other products. For Small Business Saturday, Stonebraker is offering a 10% discount on in-store items.
Stonebraker mentioned that what sets her store apart from online retailers is the opportunity for parents and kids to visit in person and choose a toy or gift themselves, making the shopping experience more memorable.
“I always promote the idea that you can order toys for your kids on Amazon, but they don’t get to touch it, feel it and choose it,” she said. “If they come where they can play with the toy and go, ‘Mommy, this is what I want.’ I get that a lot.”
Stoney’s Etc. is not the only small business in Covington offering discounts this Saturday. Artists at the Purple Paisley Artisan Shop, located on Scott Boulevard, are providing discounts and shoppers who spend $50 or more receive a free handmade stone charm. Succulent Senorita Greenhouse on West 6th Street is offering $5 off purchases of $20 or more when customers mention the Covington Business Council, a Covington-based member-centric business advocacy and networking organization.
Handzy Shop + Studio on West 6th Street is offering 30% off clothing, an extra 30% off sale items, and a gift for early shoppers. Ms. Tabby’s Toys and Treats in Latonia is providing 10% off for customers who mention the CBC. F & Goode Desserts on West Pike Street is giving 10% off in-store purchases and 10% off online cookie kit preorders.
“Small businesses are at the heart of what makes Covington special,” Covington Mayor Ron Washington said in a news release. “When you shop at a local store, you’re doing far more than buying a gift—you’re supporting a neighbor and investing directly back into our community. This holiday season, I encourage everyone to show some love to the shops and entrepreneurs who help make The Cov such a vibrant and welcoming place.”
Across the Licking River in Newport, the city provided a list of retailers and restaurants in Newport’s Historic Business District as part of its local shopping initiative. Below is the list of participating businesses.
Bihl Brothers Jewelry, 122 E. 8th Street
Biker Central, 114 E. 6th Street
A New Leaf Florist, 413 E. 3rd Street
Mustang Betty’s Antiques, 600–602 Monmouth Street
Roebling Book & Coffee, 601 Overton Street
Wag Grooming, 531 York Street
Wagz and Pawz, 609 York Street
SNKRS, 621 Monmouth Street
Peluso’s Market, 623 Monmouth Street
Wayne & Co. Goldsmiths, 635 Monmouth Street
Reser Bicycle Outfitters / Trailhead Coffee, 648 Monmouth Street
Knit On, 735 Monmouth Street
Jewel King, 801 Monmouth Street
Jet Age Records, 817 Monmouth Street
Mannequin Boutique Newport, 833 Monmouth Street
Carabello Coffee, 845 Monmouth Street
Dresser Up, 911 Monmouth Street
Cookie Jar Bakery, 919 Monmouth Street
Tesori Vintage Home Fine Furnishings, 925 Monmouth Street
Monmouth Street Mercantile, 1001 Monmouth Street
Pizzazz Interiors, 1020 Saratoga Street
Newport’s Historic Business District shopping initiative
The City of Fort Thomas is hosting its annual Small Business Saturday community event in which participating retailers offer deals for shoppers. The event lasts from 6:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Saturday.
Med My Way – Health Insurance and Medicare Services: Staff are available to assist customers with Medicare or health-insurance needs. Appointments can be made by calling 859-414-0945.
Living Magazines: Advertisers who sign contracts before Dec. 31 will receive 2026 advertising at the 12-month insertion rate when purchasing a six-month schedule. Graphic design fees will also be waived.
Jackie Adams, LMT: Offering complimentary five-minute chair massages by appointment. Gift certificates will also be available for purchase.
Northern Kentucky Medical Massage: Providing $10 off $125 gift cards.
Protected Petz: Customers who schedule a free consultation during Small Business Saturday weekend will receive 10% off their first booking.
Sweet Ace Cakes, Ltd. Co.: Offering 20% off all orders with the code SWEET20.
Blue Marble Books: Providing a 20% discount on all holiday books.
Fort Thomas Pizza and Tavern: Offering a special of one large pizza and two draft beers for $15.
Mint Yoga Studio: Hosting a pop-up yoga class, a wellness information session, studio giveaways, and special class-pass pricing.
Barre3 Fort Thomas: Offering 30% off class packs and 30% off retail boutique items.
Fit Philosophie: Selling holiday bundles that include a Pilates reformer mat, Pilates socks, and a selection of class options.
Comal at Fort Thomas: Providing $5 in Comal Cash for every $25 gift card purchased.
Taste Cellar & Pantry: Featuring holiday merchandise, gift baskets, and gift cards.
Grassroots & Vine: Encouraging customers to visit for brunch or lunch and offering gift cards for purchase.
Faded Finds: Opening at 8 a.m. with a free gift for purchases of $25 or more (while supplies last) and offering 20% off storewide from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Shop Small, Stand Tall in Fort Thomas
To find other Small Business Saturday deals, promotions, or initiatives, be sure to check out social media pages of Northern Kentucky-based small businesses, such as Facebook or Instagram, or visit your city or county’s website.
Note: This is not a comprehensive list of every Small Business Saturday deal or initiative within Northern Kentucky.