Shopping small on Small Business Monday means more than just grabbing a great deal. It means supporting the heart of East Sacramento, where every purchase directly impacts the neighbors, friends, and families who make this community thrive. When you spend money at a locally owned shop, about three times more money stays in the local economy compared to shopping at chain stores. That means more jobs, better schools, and stronger neighborhoods right here in East Sacramento.
Where to Shop This Small Business Monday
Folsom Boulevard serves as the backbone of East Sacramento’s shopping scene, packed with unique boutiques and specialty shops that you won’t find anywhere else. Head over to Strapping Sacramento, a men’s grooming and lifestyle shop that stocks quality products from razors to leather goods.
For home decor lovers, Scout Living offers carefully curated furniture and design pieces that turn houses into homes. Book enthusiasts should swing by The Kitchen Table, a beloved local spot that combines good food with great reads. Don’t forget to grab your caffeine fix at Chocolate Fish Coffee Roasters on Folsom Boulevard or The Mill’s M2 location in East Sacramento, where locally roasted beans fuel the neighborhood.
Community Events Worth Your Time
East Sacramento knows how to celebrate small businesses year-round. The neighborhood recently wrapped up Savor East Sac, a 10-day event featuring over 30 local restaurants, coffee shops, and bars offering special deals. This tradition shows how much the community values its independent businesses.
Asteria Florals hosted a Small Business Saturday market on November 30, bringing together local artisans, makers, and food vendors in one festive location. The event featured a build-your-own flower wrap bar, allowing shoppers to create beautiful bouquets while supporting neighborhood businesses.
Every weekend, the Folsom Boulevard Flea Market opens its gates at 8521 Folsom Boulevard, operating Saturdays and Sundays from 7am to 4pm. Since 1963, this market has connected vendors and shoppers seeking one-of-a-kind treasures you simply can’t find at big-box stores.
Gift Ideas From Local Shops
Shopping local means finding gifts with real character and a story behind them. At Rumpelstiltskin, you’ll discover quirky toys and games that stand out from mass-produced options. Fleet Feet Sacramento stocks running shoes and athletic gear with expert fitting services that online retailers can’t match.
Wine lovers should check out Good Bottle Shop, where knowledgeable staff help you find the perfect bottle for any occasion. For unique home goods and pantry staples, browse the shelves at Sac Natural Foods Co-op, which prioritizes local suppliers and organic products.
Why Your Purchase Matters
Local businesses hire local workers, bank with local financial institutions, and buy from local suppliers. This creates a multiplier effect, with each dollar circulating through the community multiple times. Small shops also tend to support community initiatives, sponsor youth sports teams, and donate to local charities at higher rates than national chains.
During tough economic times, independent businesses are more resilient because they adapt to local conditions more quickly. They also give East Sacramento its unique character, the coffee shops where baristas know your name, the boutiques with items you won’t see on everyone else, and the hardware stores where staff actually help you fix things.
This Small Business Monday, skip the online shopping cart and take a walk down Folsom Boulevard instead. Your neighbors will thank you, your community will benefit, and you’ll find gifts with real meaning. Supporting small businesses isn’t just smart economics; it’s what keeps East Sacramento vibrant, connected, and authentically local.
Sources: bontraveler.com, business.sachcc.org, visitsacramento.com, dgs.saccounty.net
Header Image Source: bontraveler.com
