Black Friday is Nov. 27 and Small Business Saturday is Nov. 28, and this year, your holiday shopping can do more than check names off a list. Columbus has one of the strongest Black business communities in the country: the city ranked fourth in the nation for its share of small Black-owned businesses, with about 270 serving the community, according to a WTVM report.

Here are Black-owned Columbus businesses to support this holiday season, from gifts and holiday meals to experiences and self-care.

Gifts

FIEcrū Apparel
"FIEcrū" stands for Family Is Everything Crew, and the brand makes urban wear for the whole family: hoodies, sweatshirts, T-shirts, hats, sweatpants and accessories, mostly in the $10–$30 range. - Shop online at fiecru.shop or on Instagram @fiecru - 706-984-9951

DLG Print and Design
Custom printing and invitations, a good choice for personalized gifts, holiday cards and party invitations. - 715 9th Ave., Suite H - 706-457-8993 · dlginvitationsandmore.com

Holiday meals and treats

Chef E's Catering
Hosting the family or the office party? Chef E's Catering, owned by Erika Grantham, handles holiday catering. - 706-992-5527 · [email protected]

Mercy's Jamaican Kitchen
Authentic Jamaican and Caribbean cooking and soul food, a local favorite. - 5753 Milgen Road - Tuesday–Saturday, 11 a.m.–6 p.m. - 706-562-0303

Jordan's Girls Gourmet Dawgs
Home of gourmet hot dogs, including the Columbus-born "scramble dawg," plus vegan options and desserts, most under $5. - 803 Veterans Parkway - 706-322-1057 (call for hours)

Thai House
Curries, pad thai and more, takeout only. They'll take large orders in advance, which is handy for holiday gatherings. - 5592 Whitesville Road, Suite I - Wednesday–Sunday, 3–8 p.m. - 706-494-5375

Experiences

Pedal Pub Columbus
Owner Antwane Darby's party bikes carry groups of up to 15 on tours of Uptown's bars, restaurants and breweries. A gift card or a group ride makes a memorable gift or office outing. - 1200 Broadway - Monday–Saturday, 11 a.m.–7 p.m.

ThiqFitness
Give the gift of a healthy new year with fitness training. - thiqfitness.com

Self-care and gift cards

Overflo Beauty & Barber Shop
Owned by Gerald Riley, a decorated Army veteran who has run the shop for more than two decades and founded Columbus Barbers United, which provides haircuts for people experiencing homelessness. A gift card makes an easy present. - 1816 Midtown Drive - 706-689-2800

Code Beauty Salon

• 4473 Warm Springs Road
• Instagram @codebeautysalon

Find more Black-owned businesses

The River Valley Black Chamber of Commerce keeps a directory of Black-owned businesses in Columbus, from real estate and insurance to photography and travel. Browse it at rivervalleybcc.org/members.

Ways to support beyond shopping

• Leave a review on Google or Facebook. It's free and helps small businesses get found.
• Buy gift cards. They give businesses cash flow now, in a slow January.
• Share your favorite businesses on social media.
• Book local services for the holidays: catering, photography, hair, printing.

Is your business Black-owned?

We want to feature more Black-owned Columbus businesses in our holiday coverage, for free. Email [email protected] with your business name, address, what you offer and a photo.