Imagine your neighborhood or city without any of its small, local businesses. Coffee shops, hair and nail salons, corner stores, boutique clothing stores, consignment shops, restaurants, bars, craft shops, markets, antique and repair shops, laundromats, liquor shops, gift shops, pet stores, and more – all gone. The pandemic is devastating small business and this could mean closing the businesses they’ve sacrificed so much to build. But, you can help. When we lift up a small business, we lift up a community. Studies show that 48% of small business purchases are recirculated locally, compared to only 14% by chain stores. Every dollar you spend could help save a small business. Please shop from Merchantville's small businesses. Small businesses off better customer service and give back to our community. Many offer online and in-store options, take-out and gift cards, and most ship nationally. There’s something for everyone!

Aradia's Treasure Metaphysical Shop will host an Ostara Circle Gathering to celebrate the Vernal Equinox on Saturday, March 21st from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. Woven throughout this sacred gathering is the theme of Return of the Light half of the year and self-renewal. This event includes a Circle Gathering, Meditation, and Mantra. Ostara is the Goddess of Spring and the Dawn, and takes its name after the Germanic goddess, Eostre/Ostara, who was traditionally honored in the month of April with festivals to celebrate fertility, renewal and re-birth. It was from Eostre that the Christian celebration of Easter evolved. Suggested donation: $5.00

Merchantville welcomed the opening of two new restaurants this week. Robertito’s Cuisine, offering a Puerto Rican and Creole fusion menu, opened its doors in the restaurant space at 177 South Center Street on the circle in Merchantville. This quaint "cocina criolla" eatery is open Tuesdays - Saturday from 12:00 - 7:00 p.m. and is another wonderful addition to the diverse medley of cafe's and restaurants in our little borough. And, if you're longing for a taste of Mesoamerican fare check out Avocado Fiesta Mexican Grill & Bakery where three business associates, Rosa Mora, Alfredo Ramírez, and Delia Leana, make familiar specialties, with vegetarian options, and yummy pastries. So, if a delicious quesadilla topped with salsa and queso fresco is in your dreams you can realize it at 134 East Park Avenue, right across from Bryson's. Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner they are open 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday and7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Friday through Sunday.

Need some last minute unique gifts? Many of Merchantville's shops will be open Christmas Eve day with some great finds, gift cards and homemade goods! The Station can satisfy your appetite while you browse their unique, handmade gift shop and bakery from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and Ryan's Retail will be open from 12:00-6:00 p.m. A Milli Little Things has Christmas Bundles and other goodies available online and in-store from 11 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Cigar Alley is open from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. for premium cigars and lottery cards. For that special person with a sweet tooth Aunt Charlottes Candies has hours today from 9:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. And, if you need some hydration, Eclipse Brewing is open 12:00-5:00 for great beer, some tokens or logo tees. Here's an overview of Merchantville's retail offerings. Head downtown to Shop Merchantville and support our small businesses!