Small Business Saturday: Who are you supporting?

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From Left: Wheelman & Co. Crewneck – $58, Frost River Flight Bag – $125 – $170, ratio Dennison Plaid – $98

Small Business Saturday was originally launched in 2010 by a tiny financial outfit called… American Express.

No really.  And hats off to Amex for coming up with that idea.  There’s a few layers of genius there.

S.B.S. has really taken off in the last few years.  It’s even become a battle cry for those who think it’s more than a little tacky to stand in line outside of Target while the turkey is still warm.  And once again, this magical invention of the internet (thanks Al!  Okay, not really) has expanded the reach of those who otherwise would be limited by their geography.  Live in Peoria but want something cool from Poughkeepsie?  The web can probably make it happen.

Sure that sucks a little bit of the rah-rah local-ness out of today, but it’s still something.  Now, suggestions:

• Get Squared – A tiny outfit making $5 pocket squares that’ll help make your outfit look better.
• Fifth&Brannan – BARRON!!  The line the Effortless Gent is involved in.  Pricey, but a great splurge if you can swing it.
• form•function•form – Newish to the scene.  Making lots of noise.
• Wood & Faulk – Portland outfit not afraid to show you how to make their stuff.
• Frost River – Bags and such from Minnesota.
• Duluth Pack – Also, bags and such from MN (how’s that go if they run into each other in Duluth?)
• Blue Claw – More bags!  And more such.  Very well made.
• Wheelmen & Co – Made in the USA wallets, bags, sweatshirts… & leather beer koozies?
• Ratio – Shirt maker from the Gods.  Made in the USA as well.

Your turn guys.  Are you on board with Small Business Saturday?  Who are you supporting, where are they located, and what do they do?  Got a favorite item from them that’s worth mentioning? Leave it all in the comments.