La Grange’s 2025 Holiday Season kicked off last weekend with the annual Small Business Saturday Flash Sale.
The Nov. 29 sale was to be followed Dec. 3 by a screening of “It’s A Wonderful Life” at La Grange Classic Cinemas, Benefiting BEDS Plus. The season continues with the La Grange Holiday Walk on Dec. 6.
But it all started with support for the village’s small businesses.
“Small Business Saturday is a celebration of community and entrepreneurship right here in La Grange,” said Dan Mulka, executive director of the La Grange Business Association. “Our local retailers bring heart, character and creativity to the holiday season. When residents shop small, they’re not only getting unique gifts, they’re investing in our neighborhood and building a stronger, more connected La Grange.”
The presenting sponsor, JAYNE Boutique, 20 W. Harris Ave., still had a store full of customers braving Saturday’s snowy weather in search of deals.
“The weather definitely has affected the day,” said Katie Cummings, president of JAYNE. “There’s a slow start to the morning and hopefully, people will come after lunch.”
In addition to a free gift of earmuffs, everything in JAYNE was discounted 20% for the sale.
Mion Artisan Soap, 2 Calendar Ave., went beyond the flash sale concept and offered discounts through Monday, December 1.
“We have our 10% off sale going on this weekend,” Kathy Munoz, store manager, said. “We also have free tissue paper and tags, if you have any gifts. We do that for free.”
Other La Grange businesses participating in the Flash Sale included Balkan Bakery, 541 S. La Grange Rd., offering customers a specialty drink at 50% with any purchase. Club Pilates, 18 W. Burlington Ave., offered 20% off the first month of a limited membership and no enrollment fee for unlimited memberships.
Horton’s Home Lighting offered sales on Christmas lighting; Rick’s West End, 712 W. Burlington, had scratch-off cards with savings on every purchase; La Grange Upholstery, 919 Hillgrove Ave., had a ”10-15-20” promotion, with 10% off in-stock fabrics, 15% off other fabrics, and 20% off Roller Shades.
Wonderful Matcha had 10% off purchases greater than $50, 15% off purchases more than $100, 20% off more than $150, and 25% off more than $200.
Started by American Express in 2010, Small Business Saturday is a nationwide event that encourages shoppers to support local small businesses during the holiday season.
“We try to match it up with (the national) Small Business Saturday,” Dan Mulka said. “With everything going on in the world in terms of the economy and that nature, some businesses are doing sales that are a little bit longer. … Our goal is to try to help everybody as much as we can this holiday season.”
Hank Beckman is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.