Small Business Saturday, a movement that began 10 years ago in an effort to drive holiday shoppers to small businesses on the Saturday after Thanksgiving, has expanded into the first Alexandria Shop Small Week.

The Shop Small Week promotion runs Nov. 27 through Dec. 6, beginning with Plaid Friday (Nov. 27), followed by Small Business Saturday (Nov. 28), Museum Store Sunday (Nov. 29), Cyber Monday (Nov. 30), and Giving Tuesday (Dec. 1).

Shop Small Week is an initiative by Visit Alexandria to support Alexandria’s locally owned boutiques and retailers.

“Alexandria’s boutiques are going above and beyond to keep visitors safe with the ALX Promise shield and are ready to welcome masked customers,” said the Visit Alexandria press release. “Many are offering special shopping options like online stores, curbside pick-up, private appointments and more. When you shop with an independent Alexandria store, you get personalized service and curated gifts you won’t find just anywhere, along with the knowledge you are supporting a local Alexandria family and their employees.”

Visit Alexandria also launched a digital Guide to Alexandria Holiday Shopping that features 50 independent retailers and information about in-person and online store offerings. The guide includes a list of Black-owned businesses and where to purchase made-in-Alexandria gifts. Participating shops and restaurants will donate a percentage of purchases to Alexandria nonprofits through a partnership with the Old Town Business Association.

For details on Shop Small Week promotion, including a Santa-gram Giveaway, visit https://www.visitalexandriava.com/holidays/shop-small/.