Hinsdale Retailers Offer Deals for 'Shop Small Business' Weekend

Bargain-shoppers, rejoice.

More than 60 Hinsdale businesses will offer special sales and giveaways Friday and Saturday as they participate in the Shop Small Business weekend event put on by the Village of Hinsdale’s Economic Development Commission (EDC).

Luis Alvarez of , Elyce Rembos of Green Goddess and Steve Potter of were tasked by the EDC to fine-tune the village’s spring sale event, which last year was branded Customer Appreciation Days.

To increase the number of participating businesses, Alvarez said the group wanted this year’s event to emphasize all that small-business retailers do for a local economy, from employing residents to improving infrastructure.

“We felt that the merchants would really sense that this is something they could get behind and support,” Alvarez said.

Participating retailers and their promotions can be found on this website produced by the EDC. Among the many deals are 20 percent off all purchases at , free watch-battery changes at , and buy-one-get-one-free hot dogs at .

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Shop Small Business is not just a downtown event; businesses are participating in all the business districts of Hinsdale.

In celebration of the store’s 31st year in business, in Grant Square is offering 31 percent off all in-stock watches and giving away free earrings to the first 31 shoppers.

“Hopefully we get people out who want to shop, because they haven’t been doing too much of it lately,” owner Dave Schulte said.

Manager Melissa Waters of , the downtown shop offering an additional 10 percent off this weekend all clearance items and a free gift to patrons, said she doesn’t live in Hinsdale and doesn’t get event-related mailings, but she has noticed some anticipation for Shop Small Business.

“I did have customers come in this week and ask if we’re participating in the event,” Waters said.

Alvarez said this weekend’s event will be judged on how many retailers ultimately participate and how much increased business those participants report.

“We’re trusting that because the residents of Hinsdale do support the community, they will understand the importance of supporting their town and visit one of the shops,” Alvarez said.

EDC chairperson John Karstrand said the goal is to keep the spirit of this weekend’s event alive throughout the year and take advantage at retail’s other busy time of year.

“With any luck, it will be successful and we can parlay that into a Shop Small Business event around Christmas,” Karstrand said.