SOUTHWICK – Supporting Small Business Saturday is easy at Yellow Bear Market.
The Southwick shop, owned and operated by mother-daughter duo Vicki Benford and Brandi Reed, is a small business with a mission to support other small businesses.
The Market is filled with local vendors offering everything from handmade art and crafts to jewelry, tag sale type items, cleaning supplies including disinfectant sprays and wipes, and locally made food products.
“When you shop at Yellow Bear, you’re supporting us and local artisans,” said Reed.
Yellow Bear Market moved to its current location two years ago and customers have responded well, said Reed, but she worries that if there is a second shutdown due to COVID-19, the shop may not survive, which is why Small Business Saturday is so important.
The Bear Cave at Yellow Bear Market includes a collection of tag sale and estate items. (HOPE E. TREMBLAY/THE WESTFIELD NEWS)
A selection of local honey and elderberry syrup are among the “Farmer’s Market” offerings at Yellow Bear Market on College Highway in Southwick. (HOPE E. TREMBLAY/THE WESTFIELD NEWS)
“It’s our biggest day of the year and hopefully it will help us through the winter,” Reed said.
In addition to Santa, Yellow Bear Market vendors are offering discounts Saturday and toys are being collected for the Marine Corps. Toys for Tots drive.
“We also have a lottery wreath raffle with proceeds benefitting Toys for Tots,” Reed added.
The shop at 642 College Highway is open Wednesday – Sunday from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., with extended hours of 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. Nov. 28 for Small Business Saturday. A special appearance from Santa is planned Saturday and visitors to the shop can take a socially distanced photo with the jolly elf himself. Reed said masks are required and hand sanitizers are located throughout the store for shoppers to use.
