Black retailers hope to be very busy as all signs point to vigorous spending this holiday season. Some of these retailers are offering fantastic deals?both in store and online?as shopping for the end-of-year festivities gets under way in earnest after Thanksgiving Day.?
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?I have a ?Small Business Saturday? free-shipping offer that runs from Nov. 24 to Nov. 28,? says Angela Price, founder and CEO of Caribbean Cake Connoisseurs. Her famous rum cakes are served at Charlie Brown?s Steakhouse.?
As in the past, small-business advocates are urging shoppers to patronize local entrepreneurs and small businesses. Project Enterprise, a nonprofit that supports and develops entrepreneurs and small businesses in disadvantaged communities in New York City, is holding its 8th Annual Holiday Bazaar for one-stop shopping from local Harlem vendors. The bazaar takes place on Saturday, Dec. 3, from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., at the Harlem Commonwealth Council, 361 W. 125th Street.
In his November newsletter, cartoonist Jerry Craft, creator of the Mama?s Boyz comic strip, writes that Black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving that ?officially? launches the holiday season, originally was ?Black Guy Friday,? a day set aside to support African-American businesses.?
?However in 1931, it was President Herbert Hoover?who had the word ?Guy? removed from the name in an effort to support ALL businesses and get the country out of the great depression. It wasn?t until the 1970s that the term resurfaced and was now explained as a time when businesses try to get ?in the black? (meaning profitable),? Craft explains.
In the spirit of the season, and in celebration of Black entrepreneurship, TNJ has put together a list of 25 vendors offering quality products and services at recession-friendly prices. Let those you patronize know that The Network Journal sent you.?????
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TNJ?s 2011 Holiday Shopping Guide
Aisha & Co.?
Dolls, toys and gifts with a unique approach to a diverse marketplace.
www.aishaco.com
ArtMattan Productions
Films from Africa and the African Diaspora.
www.africanfilm.com
Association of African American Vintners
Click on ?The Cellar? to order wines from Black vintners.?
http://aaavintners.org/
The Aria Spa and Wellness Center
Ask about gift certificates.
www.brooklynspa.com
Bebenoir
Trendy African-inspired and produced clothing for the younger crowd.?
www.bebenoir.com
The Brownstone
Ethnically inspired fashions for women age 35-65.
http://thebrownstonewoman
Calabar Imports
Unique gifts by African, Asian and South American artisans.
http://calabar-imports.com
Caribbean Cake Connoisseurs
Caribbean drowning-in-rum cakes.
www.rumcake.com
Carol?s? Daughter
Hair, body/bath, skincare products.
www.carolsdaughter.com
FlowerWorks Florist
Festive arrangements for all occasions.
http://www.flowerworksflorist.com
Heritage1960
A one-stop site to learn about the leading global African fashion and lifestyle brands.
http://heritage1960.com
Hue-Man Bookstore & Cafe
Works by, about, and for African-Americans and the African Diaspora.
www.huemanbookstore.com
Malchijah Hats
Signature custom-designed hats for men and women.
http://malchijahhats.net
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Mamas Boyz
Books, board games, shirts, and mugs, showcasing the characters of Jerry Craft?s Mama?s Boyz comic strip.
http://mamasboyz.com
Moringa Revealed
Assortment of products from the nutrient-rich Moringa plant.
www.moringsrevealed.com
Moshood Creations
Afrocentric apparel and accessories for men and women.
http://shop.africakspirit.com
Natobie Jewels
Fine jewelry for today’s sophisticated woman.
www.natobiejewels.com
The Patricka Collection
Artistic, bold creations in beaded jewelry.
www.etsy.com/shop/PatrickaCollection
Power Living
Wellness and empowerment products.
www.power-living.com
Samant? Shoes
Style and comfort for larger shoe sizes.
www.samantashoes.com
Srina? Organic Green Tea
Teas and tea accessories from Sri Lanka.
http://srina.com
Sweet Spot Golf Apparel
Fine golf apparel.
www.SweetSpotApparel.com
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Tribal Timepiece
One-of-a-kind hand-beaded leather band watches.
www.TribalTimepiece.com
Vera Moore Cosmetics
Cosmetics and skin care for men and women of color.
http://veramoorecosmetics.com
Vintage Sportswear Inc.
Classy lifestyle apparel celebrating African-American golfers of yesteryear.???
www.vintagesportswearapparel.com
http://neckbonecircuit.com
