4 Wisconsin towns perfect for Small Businesses Saturday shopping

These Wisconsin towns are home to tons of boutiques and locally owned stores perfect for Small Business Saturday shopping. 

Shopping at big-name online retailers and box stores is convenient, but if you ask us, there’s nothing like scoring a unique find at a locally owned store. Fortunately for Wisconsinites, the state is home to tons of tiny towns and quaint villages with streets lined with small businesses. With Small Business Saturday right around the corner, we’ve decided to highlight some of these towns and the stores worth visiting.

Whether it’s a hand-knit sweater, a carefully crafted piece of pottery, or sustainably made skincare, there are tons of treasures to be found at these mom-and-pop shops. 

1. Spring Green

This village in southwest Wisconsin might be small—but there’s no shortage of local businesses to check out. From books and clothing to fine jewelry and home goods, you’ll find everything you’re looking for at one of these Spring Green shops. 

Spring Green General Store

137 S. Albany St.

Consider Spring Green General Store your one-stop shop for great gifts. Located in a converted 1910 cheese warehouse, this woman-owned local business sells clothing, toys and games, home goods, coffee and tea, arts and crafts supplies, and much more. 

When you’re done shopping, fuel up in the café, which serves lunch, weekend breakfast, and a variety of drinks (alcoholic, caffeinated, and otherwise).

Photo courtesy of Spring Green General Store.

Arcadia Books

102 E. Jefferson St.

Arcadia Books is an independent bookstore that opened its doors in Spring Green in 2011. It sells books on a wide variety of subjects, from gardening and pets to philosophy and travel. Arcadia Books also hosts various in-store events and has a café where you can enjoy coffee, baked goods, sandwiches, and other light fare. 

Photo courtesy of Arcadia Books.

Wilson Creek Pottery 

E6101 County Rd. WC

At Wilson Creek Pottery, each piece is handmade and, therefore, unique. This female-founded pottery studio and store sells all sorts of carefully crafted pieces that would make great gifts, including mugs, stemless wine glasses, tumblers, and bowls. 

Photo courtesy of Wilson Creek Pottery.

Prairie Flowers & Gifts

126 N. Lexington St. 

As the name implies, Prairie Flowers & Gifts is the perfect place to pick up presents for all your loved ones (or yourself!). At this woman-owned shop, you’ll find home goods, jewelry, handbags, candles, baby clothing, and, of course, flowers—including custom floral arrangements.  

The Clyde Company 

131 W. Jefferson St.

The Clyde Company is a children’s clothing store owned by a mother-daughter duo. The shop sells pajamas, dresses, swaddle blankets, socks, mugs, and skincare products, but it’s known for its signature line of bamboo clothing. 

Country Sampler

133 E. Jefferson St.

The Country Sampler has been a Spring Green staple since 1983. Quilts, pillows, bedding, and other home decor items fill this charming store. Country Sampler also hosts events and quilting classes. 

Victoria Sterling Jewelry

100 N. Lexington St.

Antique lovers won’t want to skip Victoria Sterling Jewelry on their next shopping excursion. This Spring Green shop sells fine antique jewelry, gifts, paintings, and other decorative objects. The jewelry is the main attraction, though, and items range from pearl pendants and diamond necklaces to gold rings adorned with gemstones and elegant earrings. 

Nina’s Department & Variety Store

143 E. Jefferson St.

Don’t let the name fool you—Nina’s Department & Variety Store is much more than your average department store. Family owned and operated since 1916, this quaint shop blends historic charm and contemporary goods. Shoppers can browse a vast selection of cards and gifts, clothing, home goods, toys, natural yarns, and more. 

2. Cedarburg

This small city is about 20 miles north of Madison and home to tons of locally owned businesses. Whether you want eco-friendly skincare, gourmet goodies, or vintage home decor, there’s a Cedarburg shop for you. 

The Shop of Cedar Creek Settlement

N70W6340 Bridge Rd. 

The Shops of Cedar Creek Settlement is located in a historic landmark—the Wittenberg Woolen Mill—and many of the building’s original features are still present. Inside, there are more than 20 shops and restaurants, plus a winery. The retailers sell a wide range of handmade and locally produced goods, including clothing, home decor, antiques, pottery, and grocery items. 

Bohemia 

W62 N587 Washington Ave.

Local artists and makers take center stage at Bohemia, a female-founded shop located in downtown Cedarburg. In addition to a carefully curated selection of home decor, accessories, artwork, and handmade gifts, Bohemia also provides creative services like in-home design consultations and custom sewing and upholstery. 

Photo courtesy of Bohemia.

The Olive Sprig

N70W6364 Bridge Rd. 

Grab some gourmet gifts for your foodie friends at The Olive Sprig, a family-owned shop that sells infused olive oils and pour tops, aged balsamic vinegar, black truffle sea salt, and other culinary goodies. 

Birchwood Wells

W63N646 Washington Rd. 

The mother-daughter duo behind Birchwood Wells hand-picks the vintage and modern pieces sold in their Cedarburg shop. Stop by and browse furniture, pillows, throws, soaps, candles, linens, and more. The team also offers in-person and virtual design services.

Weeds 

W62N588 Washington Ave.

Weeds is a family-owned store that sells sustainable alternatives to everyday items, including apparel, skincare and bath products, garden supplies, and home goods. The products are organic, eco-friendly, fair trade, and sourced locally. 

3. Egg Harbor

This resort community is home to many attractions—from wineries to golf courses—plus plenty of specialty stores and small retailers.

Main Street Shops 

7828 WI-42

Main Street Shops makes holiday shopping a breeze. This indoor shopping complex houses 19 stores selling everything from stained glass and garden sculptures to toys and Christmas decorations. 

Cupola House

7836 WI-42

Cupola House is another shopping destination with multiple stores under one roof. This historic house is home to shops like Keeper (carefully curated, sustainably made clothing, home goods, and more) and Effie Street Kids (artisan-made children’s clothing, gifts, and toys). 

Photo courtesy of Keeper.

Spot 

7775 WI-42

Spot is the, well, spot, to shop for gifts for all your fashion-forward friends and family members. This female-founded store sells fun, colorful clothing and accessories for women in a funky storefront in Egg Harbor (with another location in nearby Sister Bay). 

Photo courtesy of Spot.

Maxwell’s House

7763 WI-42 

Maxwell’s House is located in Egg Harbor’s original grocery store building, which is reason enough to visit if you’re in the area. This family-owned business sells creative home furnishings, including furniture, wall art, lighting, and rugs. 

Photo courtesy of Maxwell’s House.

Wish

7784 WI-42

Founded by two friends, Wish is a women-owned boutique that sells a wide variety of consciously curated items, including clothing and accessories, pet products, outdoor gear, kitchen and dining goods, and more. 

Door County Nature Works

7798 WI-42

Located in a charming, rustic barn, Door County Nature Works is full of home furnishings and gifts, including indoor and outdoor furniture, clothing, candles, bedding, and much more.

Photo courtesy of Door County Nature Works.

Blacksmith Clothing Co.

7806 Horseshoe Bay Rd.

Refresh your wardrobe at Blacksmith Clothing Co. This boutique sells contemporary clothing and accessories for men and women in a historic building that, as you might have guessed, used to be a blacksmith shop.

4. Delafield

Rickety Robin Antiques

703 Milwaukee St.

If you appreciate craftsmanship and restored furniture, a trip to Rickety Robin Antiques is a must. The owners have been restoring furniture for more than 50 years, and the store sells everything from antique furniture and books to costume jewelry and china. 

Knitch 

608 Milwaukee St. 

Knitch is a women-owned yarn store that sells all the tools and accessories you need to knit or crochet. Knitch also offers classes and a cozy seating area where customers can stitch alongside others or relax and talk about their latest projects. 

Genetti Gardens & Gallery

611 Bleeker St.

In addition to offering custom garden design services, Genetti Gardens & Gallery also sells custom sculptures, local artwork, one-of-a-kind light fixtures, and other unique items for your home and garden. 

Photo courtesy of Genetti Gardens.

The Smiley Barn

2420 Milwaukee St.  

A trip to The Smiley Barn is sure to put a smile on your face. This family-owned, old-fashioned toy and candy shop is full of gifts for kids that you won’t find at a department store or mall. 

Lake and Pine Co.

617 Main St. 

Lake and Pine Co., a home and gift boutique, features unique items inspired by life on the lake. Watercolor kitchen towels, hiking and camping logbooks, and “lake people” mugs and tumblers are just some of the highly giftable goodies available. 

This article first appeared on Good Info News Wire and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.