Get your holiday shopping done with these Plaid Friday & Small Business Saturday deals in NH

If you’re planning to shop this weekend, you’re not alone. 

A record 183.4 million Americans are expected to shop in-store or online this year from Thanksgiving through Cyber Monday, according to an annual survey by the National Retail Federation—and 8% more shoppers plan to head to their favorite local spots on Small Business Saturday compared to 2019. That figure is up from last year’s record of 182 million.

Born during the Great Recession in 2010, Small Business Saturday has pumped $201 billion into local economies over the past 15 years, according to American Express. 

Whether you’re shopping Plaid Friday—named for the idea of weaving threads of small businesses together, creating a strong community fabric—or Small Business Saturday, we’ve got a guide that will help you buy local around a fun theme.

Friday is also Record Store Day, so if you’ve got a music lover in your life (or you’re into the scene yourself), check out your neighborhood music shop for good deals and fun promotions. Here are some towns celebrating their small businesses this weekend: 

North Hampton
Visit the Makers Market hosted by the North Hampton Public Library and Cultural Center on Saturday from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. to support local creativity and talent. The holiday market will showcase handcrafted, locally sourced goods like handbaskets, knitwear, and leather goods. See here for more information. 

 
Merrimack
Go to the Merrimack Premium Outlets. The outlets are closed on Thanksgiving, but will open at 6 a.m. on Friday and remain open until 9 p.m. Additional holiday hours can be found here. To take a look at the savings offered at the Merrimack outlet stores, click here and then select “Black Friday Sales” under the “filters” section.

Manchester
Explore Manchester’s shopping and dining scene on Saturday. The Bookery on Elm Street will be offering free coffee, tote bags, and exclusive deals (while supplies last), and Manchester Mayor Jay Ruais will make an appearance to emphasize the importance of local businesses. For more details and deals across Manchester, go here. 

Goffstown
Support businesses at the Gowen’s Realty Makers Market on Saturday from 10 a.m.- 3 p.m. Browse unique, handmade gifts crafted by local artisans and discover treasures for the holiday season. There will also be all sorts of deals from businesses on Main Street. For more details, go here. 

Concord
Bring the kids to this storytime event at Gibson’s Bookstore on Saturday starting at 11 a.m. Authors Deborah Bruss, Matt Forrest Esenwine, and Kari Allen will be there for readings. Join in on crafts and holiday fun while supporting local authors and businesses. 

Also check out the Maker’s Market at the Bank of NH Stage to find unique, locally made treasures from 11 a.m.- 4 p.m. See more details. 

Henniker
Shop a curated selection of local artisans at the Henniker Community Center on Saturday from 2-5 p.m. There will be live music by Beechwood and food offerings from the Taco Beyond food truck. You can shop for skin care, soaps, jewelry, and more. Go here for more details. 

Keene
Support local vendors at a festive holiday market on Saturday featuring shopping, food, and drinks (both alcoholic and non-alcoholic) at Birdies on Main Street in Keene from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. For updates, go here.

Nashua
If you get to Nashua early enough, you could score one of 300 tote bags that are being given away with a festive new design from Mint Printworks in the Nashua Millyard! Stop by Plaid Friday HQ at the Nashua Performing Arts Center between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. on Friday to grab yours. At HQ, you can pick up a program, learn about participating locations, and get ready to shop local. You could also catch “A Christmas Carol” by Gerald Dickens at the Nashua Performing Arts Center on Plaid Friday. (Read more).

West Lebanon
Visit Pro Optical at 200 South Main Street in West Lebanon for food and giveaways on Saturday from 10 a.m.- 2 p.m. Go here for more details. 

Walpole
The Walpole Craft Fair will be held Nov. 30 to Dec. 1. There will be a selection of local artisans, vendors, and crafters selling their unique wares. Go here for more details. 

Dover
Explore unique treasures, boutique fashion, specialty goods, and art while supporting the businesses that make Dover a vibrant destination. There will be discounts, promotions, and chances to meet the artisans. Go here for more details. 

Monandock Region
Looking for a unique spin on the typical retail shopping experience? Check out the Local Crowd Monadnock’s Plaid Friday, where you can buy gifts from independent and local businesses. A full list of businesses can be found here if you want to start your planning early.