These Entrepreneurs Make Holiday Shopping a Breeze

During the holiday season small businesses across the country stock their shelves with inventory, bring their products to local holiday markets, and provide shoppers with one-of-kind gifts they can’t find anywhere else. All this activity fuels local economies during the busiest time of the year on Main Streets across America.    

The holiday season is incredibly important to small businesses. According to new data out this week from the MetLife and U.S. Chamber Small Business Index, 70% of small businesses say the holiday season is important for their overall profit this year—and 90% of retail small businesses say this. Plus, it’s a great time to shop small as 68% of small retail businesses say they plan to offer seasonal discounts.  

Earlier this year we recognized 100 of the best small businesses in America on our annual CO—100 list. We’re highlighting some of the best retail small businesses from our list that are delivering innovative products and creating unforgettable moments during the best time of the year—Brought to You By American Business.  

Woof

Denver, Colorado  

This holiday season, treat your pet to innovative, thoughtfully designed products from Woof. When founder Daniel Haarburger’s rescue dog, Milo, was immobile for months after undergoing surgery, Daniel looked for ways to entertain Milo and keep him occupied and healthy. Enter the Pupsicle, a dog toy that can be filled with different kinds of treats and pre-made foods for longer play.  

Since the invention of the Pupsicle, Woof has expanded to offer dozens of dog products that combine wellness with play. Woof is dedicated to its pet parents and providing dog care that allows them to make the most of every moment spent together.  

Need a present for your perfect pup? Consider products like the Pupsicle or the Bite n’ Brush.   

MBlue Labs

Bethesda, Maryland  

MBlue Labs was founded to commercialize Dr. Kan Cao’s breakthrough skin health technology on the anti-aging benefits of Methylene Blue. Dr. Cao spent much of her career studying aging and is one of the world’s leading scientists in anti-aging research. The company’s signature skincare line, Bluelene, offers all kinds of skincare products including moisturizers, serums, and eye creams. 

The Bluelene products are cruelty-free, vegan, and backed by science. As a women-owned and minority-owned business, MBlue Labs has used innovation and resilience to create this revolutionary product.  

Shopping for a skin health fanatic? Gift them MBlue Labs’ anti-aging sunscreen or daily moisturizer.   

DTOCS

Portland, Oregon 

DTOCS founder Pallavi Pande is revolutionizing the tableware industry. Inspired by her childhood memories of dining on banana leaves, DTOCS aims to replace disposable plastics with a sustainable, 100% compostable alternative. DTOCS is meant to sound like “detox,” as the company uses clean materials to make its tableware from naturally shed palm leaves. The company offers all kinds of tableware products from disposable charcuterie boards to dinner plates.  

DTOCS sources sustainable materials from rural India, directly supporting local farmers and conservation efforts. The company is committed to social responsibility by empowering female artisans and helping to fund children's education in India.  

Hosting a crowd this holiday season? Check out DTOCS palm leaf platters or party plate packs.  

787 Coffee

New York, New York  

787 Coffee is a Puerto-Rican coffee shop with 25 locations throughout Puerto Rico, New York, and Texas. Founder and CEO Brandon Peña emphasizes the importance of direct-trade relationships and eco-friendly practices. Named the Top Growth Accelerator in the 2024 CO—100, 787 Coffee is a champion of innovation and growth. 

787 Coffee’s “farm to cup” approach ensures fresh, high-quality coffee made ethically. The coffee shops are more than a place to grab a quick cup—they are places for creatives, students, and community members to come together and stay as long as they’d like.  

Have a coffee fanatic in your life? Give them one of 787 Coffee’s unique flavors of freshly roasted coffee beans.   

glassybaby

Seattle, Washington  

glassybaby is a glass votive company founded in 2001 by three-time cancer survivor Lee Rhodes. glassybaby provides authentic gifts with real meaning, as each candle holder comes with a story and is handcrafted by local glassblowers. glassybaby has been giving back to the community since the very first candle holder was sold, and the company continues to spread light and hope with each handcrafted item.  

glassybaby donates 22% of its profits to cancer care, environmental causes, and animal welfare. A winner of the Community Champion category for the 2024 CO—100, glassybaby knows what it means to give back and make a lasting impact on its community.  

Want to spread light to loved ones this holiday season? Check out glassybaby’s holiday specials like good winter or gratitude. 

 As you look to make purchases for yourself or those you love, remember the impact small businesses make on your own community. Check out all the outstanding CO—100 list honorees here.