Meet Us Under the Boston Store Clock

Erie Downtown Partnership

Up to 40 vendors will gather for Small Business Saturday in the Boston Store lobby, a nod to its history as the center of Erie's retail district.

Saturday, Nov. 26

Anyone who grew up in Erie during the heyday of the Boston Store can tell you that meeting under the clock was a real thing. But since the iconic department store closed its doors in 1979, the meaning of meeting under the clock has largely been lost to history. That is until the Erie Downtown Partnership, in tandem with Local Lovin Erie, brings new life into the Boston Store concourse, with their now annual Small Business Saturday celebration in Downtown Erie. And it's all starting out "under the clock."

The Boston Store lobby will be filled with up to 40 vendors, sharing their arts, crafts, inventions, and products with crowds of Erie residents showing up to give their support to these small businesses. There will be live music to keep spirits bright and several other spots throughout downtown will also be open with vendors, specials, pop ups and more.

Dave Tamulonis, events manager for the Erie Downtown Partnership, is excited to bring this event back to Erie's rapidly growing downtown. He comments, "Every year we encourage the Erie community to do their holiday shopping with our many talented and amazing local small businesses and makers through Shop Small Saturday. Keeping the money circulating in our local economy helps the Erie region, but it also builds a strong connection between local businesses and consumers."

In addition to the vendors at the Boston Store, She Vintage, Ember and Forge, The 10/20 Collective, and the Shops at 5th and State including Erie Apparel (City Supply), Glass Growers Gallery, The Dollhouse at Pointe Foure Boutique, Primo Tailoring, Rita's, and Subway will host a number of local crafters, makers, and artists for a one-day local shopping celebration. Perry Square's holiday village will be stocked up with hot cocoa and coffee for cozy refreshment as you make your way up and down State Street.

The time is right to bring shopping back to Downtown Erie, just like older generations so fondly remember, when the Boston Store was the most magical place to be during the holidays. Not only will shopping downtown help create unforgettable memories, it will help our local economy grow and put money directly into the pockets of individual local makers and small business owners. Tamulonis agrees: "Making downtown a destination for local holiday shopping, and a year-round destination for events and entertainment, supports all our small business owners." 

10 a.m. to 4 p.m. // Boston Store lobby and throughout Downtown Erie // For more information, go to eriedowntown.com