SOAP LAKE —This holiday season, the Soap Lake Chamber of Commerce invites community members to support their local businesses by participating in Small Business Saturday, Nov. 29, a nationwide initiative aimed at bolstering small enterprises after the busy Black Friday shopping sprees. This year marks the sixth year that Soap Lake has embraced this event, which encourages residents to shop small and discover unique, locally curated gifts. 

“The goal is to highlight, especially during the holiday season, the importance of shopping local and small businesses rather than the big corporate stores,” Chamber President Susan Carson said.  

Carson emphasizes that the event offers an opportunity for small businesses to thrive, particularly during winter, a traditionally slow season for local commerce.  

“We want to show our support for local businesses,” Carson said. “This is their livelihood, and typically these entrepreneurs are not out to become millionaires; they are passionate about their work and community.” 

This year, participating businesses will feature special promotions to entice shoppers.  

Carson mentions several shops that exemplify the diverse offerings in Soap Lake, including “Mom’s European Deli, Bucking Up Thrift Store, and Recollections, a vintage store with a mix of new and used items.”  

She encourages residents to explore these unique outlets as they search for gifts.  

“You’re going to find one-of-a-kind items that reflect personal thoughtfulness rather than mass-produced products offered at big-box retailers,” she said. 

Carson urges the community to think about the experiences tied to gift-giving.  

“Personalized gifts keep the spirit of the season alive,” she said. “When you shop small, you’re not just making a purchase; you’re supporting a family and investing in the future of your community.” 

Small Business Saturday will take place from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with many businesses participating. Notably, Cloud View Bakery will be open until 3 p.m., while Sophia’s features both lunch and dinner hours, adding to the inviting atmosphere for shoppers and diners alike.  

Carson encourages everyone to come out, enjoy the local offerings, and perhaps take a stroll down to the lake afterwards for a scenic end to a day of supporting the local economy. 

Small businesses in Soap Lake: 

Akins Fresh Market
Grocery store
115 Daisy St. S.
Monday-Saturday 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.  

Buck-n-up
New and used goods
332 Main Ave. E.
Tuesday-Saturday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.  

The Busy Bean  
Coffee Stand
418 Daisy St. S.
Monday-Friday 5:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Saturday-Sunday 6:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.  

Cloudview Kitchen
Bakery/Restaurant
117 Main Ave. E.
Thursday-Sunday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.  

Del-Red Pub
Casual dining
311 Main Ave. E
Monday-Wednesday 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Thursday 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Friday-Saturday 11 a.m. to 1:45 a.m.
Sunday 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. 

Garb & Gizmos
Trading Cards/Game Shop
227 WA-28
Tuesday-Friday 12 p.m. to 8 p.m
Saturday 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. 

Hecklebarney’s Thrift Store
Thrift Store
51 Division St. S.
Wednesday-Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

La Cucina Di Sophia
Italian restaurant
218 Main Ave. E.
Tuesday-Friday 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Saturday 12 p.m. to 8 p.m.  

Lakeside Bistro
American restaurant
14 Canna St. N.
Friday-Saturday 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. 

Mi Cocinita Mexican Grill & Cantina
Mexican food
222 Daisy St. S.
Monday-Saturday 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Sunday 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.  

Mom’s European Food and Deli
Bakery
331 Main Ave. E.
Monday-Saturday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. 

Recollections
Vintage, handcrafted goods and resale
315 Main Ave. E.
Thursday-Saturday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. 

    Garb & Gizmos sells products from larger brands but also features items created by locals in the Basin. The plush figures at the shop are sewn by the owners’ 17-year-old niece, Grace.