SEATTLE — The impact of the pandemic has left a negative mark on the national economy — and small businesses are no exception. Many are still struggling to bounce back.

A few holiday markets around the Puget Sound region will help boost business on this Black Friday and Small Business Saturday.

In Snohomish County, over 90 vendors will be selling their goods at the annual Holly Jolly Holiday Market, started by mother-daughter duo Alisha Bissell and Shannon Smith.

The market takes place Friday and Saturday this week at a picturesque Thomas Family Farms.

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The ladies said they’re many reasons to shop small this season.

“There are not things you’re going to find in those big box stores. Local honey from local bees, for example. And there’s jam that has been made in commercial kitchens. It’s all about keeping the money local,” said Bissell.

Local business owner Kat Santo specializes in hand-crafted wooden flowers. She said this is time is critical for the community to step in and support.

“It’s keeping our families alive. It’s keeping money in our pockets and it’s paying for our kids’ sports, dance lessons, and putting food on our table,” said Santo.

It’s still a critical time for business owners in Snohomish County – back in 2020 it was the site of the first confirmed COVID-19 case in the country – since then small business owners have been forced to close their doors, and workers have lost their jobs.

“It impacted my business a lot. I had to reinvent myself. Our small businesses are now becoming essential, because you never know when layoffs are gonna take place,” said Michele Armstrong, owner of Country Comfort Quilts.

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At Seattle Center, the very first Seattle Christmas Market is now open to the public until Christmas Eve. Guests can shop local crafts, enjoy food, entertainment, photo ops and more. Event owner Malta Kluetz said it’s inspired by traditional German Christmas markets – bringing small business owners from around the world together.

“We found vendors from not only Seattle but also from Canada, South America, Europe and they bring in products that aren’t typically readily available in Seattle,” said Kluetz.

The information for the Seattle Christmas Market is posted here.

The information for the Holly Jolly Holiday Market in Snohomish County is posted here.