Cross some gifts off lists early this year by supporting Geneva’s local retailers on Small Business Saturday, approaching on Saturday, Nov. 30. One of the Midwest’s most unique shopping districts, Geneva offers more than 150 independent retailers, restaurants and establishments in its historic downtown. With the holiday season approaching, there is no better place to #shopsmall than Geneva.

Dating back nearly a century, The Little Traveler established itself as the first store to open its doors on Third Street in 1922. The Little Traveler’s Founder Mrs. Kate Raftery launched a unique small shop that helped shape Geneva’s Third Street into the eclectic shopping and dining destination that it is today.



Ms. Kay Weir, buyer for The Little Traveler's Babies and Children's Wear Department, started working at The Little Traveler in 1983. She appreciates the shop’s resiliency even in an evolving online shopping boom.

“The Little Traveler is about the experience. You can meet your friends here, have lunch and enjoy a hands-on shopping experience that you can't get online,” said Weir.

A Shop Small Holiday Market is slated from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Nov. 30 at the shops at Dodson Place on Third Street. Featuring several independent businesses as well as pop-ups from a few favorites all in one place, Café & Barr is hosting the holiday shopping experience, encapsulating the essence of shopping small.



As shoppers explore Geneva on Nov. 30 and beyond, people can celebrate and support this shop small movement by sharing photos and updates on social media using the hashtag #shopsmallgeneva.



For a comprehensive listing of where to eat, shop and stay in Geneva visit the Explore Geneva interactive map.