5 Small Businesses for Your Black Friday Fashion Fix

‘Tis the season for holiday shopping — a tradition that will look drastically different this year. Many small and independent businesses are suffering financially due to COVID-19, so it’s more important than ever to shop local this Black Friday and Cyber Monday.

Whether you’re shopping for yourself or someone on your gifting list, clothes and jewelry are classic holiday purchases. With so many unique and beautiful items to choose from, and something for every aesthetic, the under-the-radar Canadian fashion retailers below are about to become your new go-to’s. There’s only one thing left to do: Get out your credit card and thank me later!

STRGRL

Calling all my ladies (and those buying for their fave ladies)! If you’re a fan of the effortlessly cool and casual looks popularized by the likes of Bella Hadid and Hailey Bieber, STRGRL will be your one-stop shop for perfectly-oversized sweatsuits and accessories that bring out your inner edge. Their Signature Sunglasses are a fall/winter must-have and these lightweight tie-dye sweatpants are made for chill weekends on the couch.

Black Friday deal: Save 30% off sitewide (excluding new arrivals and sale) and enjoy free shipping on all Canadian and US orders using code BLACKFRIDAY, starting at 8AM EST 11/27.

Lisa Gozlan

Take it from me: Lisa Gozlan’s stunning jewelry will put a giant smile on anyone’s face — especially if it’s from the Instagram-famous Happy Face collection. For the minimalist in your life, check out Lisa’s beautiful yet understated essentials designed for daily wear.

Black Friday deal: Don’t miss out on 20% off sitewide and 30% off orders $500+.

Jenny Bird

You may recognize Jenny Bird’s eye-catching designs that have been sported by celeb fans like Lizzo and TikTok’ers Charli and Dixie D’Amelio. The Toronto-based jeweller offers fresh takes on trendy looks, from chokers to chains and hoop earrings. Since it will be difficult to resist picking up a piece for yourself, consider getting matching bracelets or necklaces with a friend or family member.

Black Friday deal: Score up to 50% off dozens of items all week long. Jenny Bird is also “giving back and paying it forward” this holiday season, donating $7,000 to YWCA Canada — that’s $1,000 a day for every day of the Black Friday Week sale. Incredible!

Peace Collective

Known for their signature Home Is Canada collection, Peace Collective is the definition of “small but mighty.” This year alone, the locally owned and operated business rolled out collections with Sesame Street and NBA x Nickelodeon featuring SpongeBob SquarePants. Providing the perfect throwback to childhood and Sunday morning cartoons, these collabs are a great gift for the holidays and will definitely be appreciated after such a tumultuous year. In fact, you can even get the most popular designs in mask form.

Black Friday deal: Black Friday Week gets a major upgrade through Peace Collective’s Peace Week. Score up to 60% off hot sellers, including Peace Week exclusives, and spend a minimum of $100 to score free shipping. Bump your cart up to $200+ for an exclusive free T-shirt or $300+ for an exclusive free sweater. Best of all, your purchases will support Peace Collective’s goals to provide 50,000 meals to Canadians in need through partner food banks, donate 25 shelter kits to Lebanon with the help of the UNHCR, and raise $10,000 for CAMH in support of mental health research.

Ventura Flair Co.

It’s scrunchie season every season and growing Instagram shop Ventura Flair Co. (owned by my good friend, Sara!) is ready to help you — and everyone on your shopping list — stock up for every occasion. Send the @venturaflairco Instagram page a direct message to place your order for Canada-wide shipping or pick-up in the GTA. As a scrunchie gal myself, I’m especially obsessed with the chunky satin scrunchies from the new holiday collection!

Black Friday deal: Follow Ventura Flair Co. on Instagram for updates!