SHOP SMALL, SHOP LOCAL ON SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY AT THE SPOT IN DOWNTOWN VINELAND

When thinking about holiday shopping, don’t forget about downtown small businesses—the businesses that contribute to the soul of a downtown and provide jobs for many people who work locally. Small Business Saturday, this coming Saturday, November 28, is a great time to patronize our small businesses.

Small Business Saturday, which was started several years ago by American Express, has grown into a nationwide phenomenon and Vineland’s downtown—The Ave—has a special, unique place to do your Small Business Saturday shopping—THE SPOT.

THE SPOT, located at 618 E, Landis Ave.—in the heart of downtown Vineland, has over 80 independent shoppes—boutiques and vendors selling arts and crafts, antiques, vintage, sports memorabilia, collectibles, shoptiques, homemade items, jewelry, and more. A truly unique shopping experience, it is one of South Jersey’s fastest-growing shopping markets.

Since opening six years ago in the location of the iconic I.C.Schwarzman department store, THE SPOT has grown rapidly through the years, carrying one-of-a-kind items that are perfect for gifts or self-enjoyment. Many of the items are handmade and locally-made. This has made THE SPOT a destination for people from throughout the Delaware Valley,

Taking a look at some of the vendors selling locally-made items, you will find: Art for All for specially hand-made ornaments, earrings, cellphone holders, and other items; Cards and Crafts for decorated plates, potholders, handmade cards, and more; Cat’s Meow Candle Company has handmade soy candles, wax melts, tarts, tea lights, and votives, as well as handling custom orders; Cosecha Soaps for handmade soaps, oils, and creams; Custom Creations Outside the Box for resin jewelry, décor, wall hangings, keyrings, ashtrays, ornaments and more; Ethel’s Attic for handmade runners, pocketbooks, Christmas trees, burlap boxes, toaster covers, and more; Redone by Dana for repurposed furniture; Refurbished Relics for ornaments and antiques made out of screws; So Get Real for handmade jewelry made from rocks and crystals, and Wreaths by Robin Hope for one-of-a-kind wreaths.

“I don’t think that you will find so much of a variety of locally-made and handmade items under one roof as you will find here,” said THE SPOT’s manager, Robin Hope.” It’s ideal and convenient for choosing the gift that’s a little different and shows the talent of some very talented artists and artisans.”

“THE SPOT is the one place to get all of your gifts under one roof for the upcoming holidays,” Hope said. “New vendors are coming in constantly, so it pays to come in regularly to find what you may be looking for.”

She noted that the unique shopping experience afforded by THE SPOT has attracted not only new vendors, but also customers traveling here from over an hour’s distance,

“They like the atmosphere and the special nature of the items for sale—many handmade, special items that complement any décor,” she said.

The Spot is open every day from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information call The Spot at (856) 839-2825 or visit their website at www.spotattheave.com or facebook.com/spotattheave.