Start shopping at smaller stores to support Somerville’s economy.

By Cathleen Twardzik

Small Business Saturday is November 30, in just a few days. That’s why it’s paramount to shop locally in Somerville at small places, such as Magpie.

So why shop locally in more detail? “We think shopping locally is important to support local artists and keep your neighbors employed. Shopping locally supports generations of community [members],” said Heaven Euvrard, Co-Manager/Consignment Sales Magpie. She has worked at the shop for more than two years.

Magpie is located at 416 Highland Ave. Contact the shop at 978-895-7264. Also, their website is: magpie-store.com.

What is her favorite part of operating the gift shop? It is “meeting local artists and seeing their expressions when they are able to sell their art in the store. I remember how I felt selling my first piece of art in store, and it is such a gratifying feeling. I love helping others get that feeling,” said Euvrard.

The shop has an interesting history. “Magpie started in the early 2000s when five friends were influenced by the Bazaar Bizzare. They loved the idea of a place to get hand-crafted items and thought, ‘Why not make a storefront for these items instead of waiting for the yearly fairs and markets?’ Now, David Sakowski remains as the owner,” she said.

Magpie’s best-selling items include “cards, incense matches or candles, stickers and local prints.”

However, “We also sell stationary items like notebooks, sketchbooks [and] pens. Individual cards, as well as sets. Further, they sell, “Tea towels, mugs, puzzles, apothecary items, trinkets and DIY kits,” said Euvrard.

So, unlock the door to increasing the number of purchases that you make at Magpie, and small businesses around Somerville. Maybe even try to complete all your holiday shopping at such establishments.