ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Small businesses in New Mexico are striving to compete with major retailers this Black Friday amid inflation and tariffs.
Raquel Chambers, New Mexico Artisan Market Executive Director, said prices have increased, and they hope shoppers will support local artisans.
“Our artists work all year for this,” said Chambers. “This is the biggest weekend of the year for them. Christmas is the biggest audience that you can get, and this is the time that everyone’s coming to buy gifts, especially for Black Friday.”
Hundreds of local artists are participating in the market this weekend, with many relying on Black Friday to boost their revenue. Unlike major retailers, small businesses depend on peak weekends for foot traffic.
“They have deals going on as well,” said Kate East, owner of Lillie’s Handmade Soaps. “Really looking forward to having the community come in and visit them and shop with them. It makes a big difference.”
Dan Janelle, owner of Puzzled, said, “Right now our deal is, since our prices are going up, we are keeping them the same throughout the week, so you can take advantage of it if you come by.”
Neal Miller from Cygnus Ceramics focused on making affordable items, saying, “I was really focusing on making mugs and smaller things that can be affordable tomorrow.”
The New Mexico Artisan Market, located at Hotel Albuquerque, is open for the rest of the weekend from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Old Town will celebrate the Christmas season with a tree lighting and holiday stroll on Dec. 5 at 6 p.m.
