Local vendors go big today

Starting at 9 a.m., a collection of independently owned businesses are opening their doors and offering special deals for patrons in honor of Small Business Saturday . Shops inside the Arts Factory at 107 E. Charleston Blvd. are participating, as well as others in the arts district.

Earlier this week, Gov. Brian Sandoval signed a proclamation designating Saturday as “Small Business Saturday” in Nevada. The day coincides with one of the busiest shopping weekends of the year, coming right after Thanksgiving.

The small-business promotion was established in 2010 and takes place the day after Black Friday, the traditional start of the holiday shopping season. It is intended to encourage shoppers to patronize independent local businesses.

Sandoval says small businesses create jobs that help boost the economy and preserve neighborhoods.

Inside the Arts Factory, Hiptazmic Studio, which sells steampunk jewelry, clothing and art, is hosting a 20-percent-off sale. Anyone who makes a purchase of more than $10 receives a free holiday gift from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

At Jaikowski Studios a portion of art sales benefits Heaven Can Wait. The gallery is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Trifecta Gallery will feature music, treats and a sugar glass art exhibit from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Outside of the factory, Globe Salon, open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 900 Las Vegas Blvd. S., Suite 130, is offering 20 percent off all product and complimentary copies of “Crave: A Guide to Women Owned Businesses in Las Vegas.” Gaia Flowers, Gifts and Art, 6 E. Charleston Blvd., is hosting a 20-percent-off sale for plants and flowers and 10 percent off all art from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Inside Style, which sells home accessories, is giving away two $100 gift certificates between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. at 1119 S. Main St.

Vexed by Design, a boutique that sells only items made in Southern Nevada, will be open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. at 1017 S. First St., inside Art Square.

And from noon to 8 p.m., the Neon Holiday Bazaar at Jackie Gaughan Plaza, 600 E. Fremont St., will feature more than 50 local vendors selling clothing, essential oils, comics, toys, jewelry, furniture, food and fine art.

One vendor, The Jeweler’s Daughter, will be showing a selection of jewelry from designer Polly Weinstein.

“I wanted to bring all the boutiques downtown and the most feasible way to do it was to do it as a pop-up downtown,” Weinstein said.

Also expect face painters, entertainment and a shop local lounge at the bazaar, which is sponsored by 35 local small businesses.

“It’s really cool that small businesses around the valley sponsored the event,” Weinstein, the organizer, said.

The Associated Press contributed to this report. Contact reporter Laura Carroll at lcarroll@reviewjournal.com or 702-380-4588.