One family was visiting the Little Heartshake in Old Colorado City from out of town.  

They had visited several others throughout the region, but far and away the Little Heartshake was the biggest hit, they told the employee working the register. Wednesday afternoon was a busy day for the shop, with roughly seven or eight people crowding into the tight space at 2423 Colorado Ave. 

While big-box online and brick-and-mortar stores were ready for Black Friday shoppers, retailers in Old Colorado City, Manitou Springs and downtown Colorado Springs geared up for some of their busiest days of the year — including this weekend’s Small Business Saturday.

“This year, our sales are focusing on cozy items like blankets, mugs and holiday décor,” said Kit Hutchinson, the owner of Little Heartshake. “We rotate categories every year and sales on groups of items make much more sense for us. It’s too much for us to handle doing a storewide sale.”    

Little Heartshake and nearby stores will be in the middle of lots of activity throughout Old Colorado City. Photos with Santa will be available noon-8 p.m. at Bancroft Park and visitors can check out live reindeer from 4-7 p.m. Dickens carolers, live street musicians and costumed characters are also scheduled to join the action during OCC’s Christmas Stroll.

At Sweetwater Flower Market, shoppers can expect discounts and get a free sleigh bell with a purchase of $50 or more, said owner Kristyn Cline.  

“We’ve been here for five years, and Small Business Saturday is always really good for OCC people,” Cline said.  

Small Business Saturday started nationally in 2010 to encourage consumers to shop in their small local stores rather than national chains and big-box stores, according to Associated Press reporting.

As part of the Christmas Stroll, visitors can take advantage of free parking. Throughout the district, shops will have their own specials running. A list of businesses can be found online at www.shopoldcoloradocity.com/. 

Parking will also be free at city-owned garages, parking lots and metered spaces over the Thanksgiving weekend through Saturday, Small Business Saturday, in downtown Colorado Springs and in Old Colorado City. The promotion is available again on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.

Manitou Springs is offering complimentary all-day parking on Saturday in its downtown area.

Shopping uptick after ‘slowdown’?

In downtown Colorado Springs, more than 90% of shops are owned by locals, the Downtown Partnership, the area’s lead advocacy group, said on a webpage promoting the day.  

One of the main benefits of shopping local is that the money stays local, the partnership and other business owners throughout the region said. One unique shop in downtown is Cronk Art & Curiosities.  

It’s been a tough year for small businesses like Cronk, said owner Andrew Cronk and store manager Emma Smallwood. 

“It’s been lovely today though,” Smallwood said Wednesday. “We’ve had decent foot traffic, but people come in to browse, but don’t end up buying anything. Which is not a bad thing, we’re not upset about it, but it’s contributed to a little slowdown.”  

While the store is open Friday, Saturday and Sunday, it is focused on Saturday, both Smallwood and Cronk said. But they understand the realities of living right now.  

Some people need to choose between a whimsical or unconventional gift and groceries. It’s a night-and-day difference compared to last year, when the store was consistently busy, the two said. But come Saturday, there will be sales aplenty.  

Whether looking for some insect taxidermy, Cronk’s specialty, or a fresh pair of socks made by a Denver company that are buy one get one half off, there will likely be something for everyone — enticed by 15% off storewide products, Cronk said.  

Stocking stuffers available, too

Operating locations in both Colorado Springs and Manitou Springs, The Olive Tap planned in-store, 20% off specials for Black Friday and Small Business Saturday.

The Olive Tap has two locations: at 7880 N. Academy Blvd., and its flagship at 906 Manitou Ave., in Manitou Springs. The Olive Tap specializes in olive oil and balsamic vinegar.  

“Our standards exceed the worldwide standards, the U.S. standards and Italian standards,” said owner Rick Petrocelly. “Once people try our products, over 80% become repeat customers.” 

The store offers customers a sample taste of every item they buy. One of the most common reactions to customers trying their products before buying them? “Oh wow!” Petrocelly said.  

Offerings at The Olive Tap aren’t limited to full bottles of olive oil, he said. Among the store’s best-sellers are $15 gift bags and sample bottles that come in at less than $10.  

These items make for excellent “stocking suffers” or corporate gifts, Petrocelly said.  

Petrocelly encourages everyone to shop local as much as they can.  

“If small businesses don’t survive, people are subject to (big corporation’s) whims,” he said. “It’s a challenge for all small businesses. The big boys want to take us over, (but local businesses) offers better service and we support the community.”