Holiday Shopping: My Favorite Local Small Businesses!

Small business Saturday is here! We don’t have to wait for a designated “Small Business Shopping Day” to frequent (and celebrate!) these shops. We should all be supporting our favorite small businesses all the time! The pandemic has been hard for everyone and I know these special shops could use a boost so they are around long after this pandemic is over. They are perfect places to get a little holiday shopping done! Don’t forget, if you aren’t comfortable going into your favorite local business, give them a call! I bet you they are more than happy to help you over the phone, or better yet FaceTime a virtual shopping appointment!

Here are my favorite most shopped local shops in both Connecticut and Rhode Island!

The Fred Shop (Westport CT & Old Greenwich CT)

This is my favorite go-to shop for clothing. I always step outside the box when I am there and try on bunch of different pieces. I tend to walk out with something unexpected… that I then wear all the time! Owners Kelley Frey & Shereen Koshnoodi have excellent taste and have curated an incredibly fun and wearable collection of clothing.

For the Holidays they are offering some specials!

Black Friday weekend: 20% off all regular price merchandise and an additional 10% off sale. Fred Members will receive 30% off regular price merchandise and additional 15% off sale.

(In case you don’t know about the Fred Memberships… It’s $150 to join and then you receive 20% off all regular price and an additional 10% off sale for an entire year from membership start date. It is AWESOME. This does exclude jewelry.)

Wish Lists: The wish lists program is starting this Friday. Customers may make a list of their favorites and they will be kept on file under their name so they can show the “shopper” their selections when they come into the store.

Virtual shopping: Customers may make an appointment for a virtual shop! Kelley can pull some things based on needs before the call, and walk around the store and show them other pieces while speaking!

Bonus, they are also happy to deliver locally!

The Fred Shop – Old Greenwich
236 Sound Beach Avenue
Old Greenwich, CT, 0687
(203) 344-9533

The Fred Shop – Westport
30 Post Rd. E
Westport, CT 06880
(203) 349-5167

Barrett Book Store (Darien, CT)

Gosh I love a small town bookstore. They are such treasures, brimming with new finds and the simple joy of finding your next best read. I love Barrett because they have a highly knowledgeable, fantastic staff, they always have the latest cookbook (my obsession) and their kids’ section is unparalleled. My kids always find something (10 things) they are super excited about. What’s better than a kid excited to read?

Another reason to check out Barrett is that they have incredible author visits, signings and conversations. One example, the “Feeding the Family: A Culinary Conversation” virtual event I attended last week. I got to hear Jacques Pepin, Melissa Clark and Deb Perelman chat about feeding their families and cooking during quarantine. Amazing.

Barrett offers in-town delivery (Darien and Rowayton) for a $5.00 charge if you are local but also they can ship anywhere! You can order via their website, over the phone, or in-store and ship to your friends and family. In addition to books, they always have tons of puzzles, games, kids stuff, stocking stuffers and holiday books of all sorts. Best thing, they offer free gift wrapping (this is another reason why it is my go to for birthday presents!).

Barrett Book Store
6 Corbin Drive
Darien, CT 06820
(203) 655-2712

Brown & Co. (Darien, CT)

The best gift store in our town also happens to be one of the best spots for a bowl of soup and an excellent cookie.

You can find the perfect gift for anyone on your list. Fabulous housewares, kids gifts, baby gifts and art! While you’re at it, pick up dinner in the back or get your holiday dinner catered by Brown & Co.!

Brown & Co.
865 Boston Post Road
Darien, CT 06820
(203) 656-1920

BarreCoast (Westerly, RI)

If you follow me on Instagram you know that I love BarreCoast. It is my favorite fitness studio, with killer barre classes, hot yoga, TRX and also boxing… which Matt goes to with me. The studio just has the best vibe, many thanks to the owner, Kristen Ulrich. They have made a quick pivot during the pandemic and now offer virtual memberships which has kept me quite sane through this year! Perhaps check out a membership as a gift if you have a barre lover!

So not only is it the best studio, but also the best boutique for all your workout gear. They carry Beyond Yoga, Alo, Varley, Project Social T, Heroine Sport, Spiritual Gangster and much more. It is my go-to for workout wear! They have it all online, as well.

Currently everything in-store (and online – use code Turkey2020) is 20% off, including new and sale items! The staff is wonderful at helping pick out the right pieces. You can always call in and schedule a private in person shopping experience or a FaceTime shopping session!

BarreCoast
55 Beach Street
Westerly, RI
(401) 596-1066

OMO Jewels & Gifts (Westerly, RI)

You have read my Small Business Spotlight post on OMO this year; if not, read it HERE! I love this little jewel box of a shop. Joanna has the best mix of gifts and comfortable yet sophisticated clothing!

Exciting news, their new online shop launched yesterday! Just in time for Holiday shopping! This weekend everything is 15% off in-store and online (code: Holiday 15)! Joanna is also great at putting together a gift box to ship out to loved ones, and she can also virtually shop with you over the phone!

OMO Jewels & Gifts
95 Watch Hill Road
Westerly, RI 02891

(860) 961-4678

I may need to order another shirt… remember this one? So good.

Please don’t forget to pop-in in person or virtually to your favorite local shops this season! Restaurants, too! Gift cards and take out are all great ideas!

I hope everyone had an excellent Thanksgiving!