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Holiday shopping map: Mom and pop shops in Central Texas

Retail giants aren't the only ones with great gifts and deals, for the holidays.

TEMPLE, Texas — Hundreds of Temple shoppers looking to save money formed lines at stores like Target, Walmart and Best Buy on the unofficial beginning of the holiday shopping season: Black Friday. However, the retail giants aren't the only ones with great gifts and deals, for the holidays.

American Express launched Small Business Saturday in 2010 to encourage people to check out their local mom and pop shops to find gifts for their loved ones.

Here are several spots in Temple to find unique gifts, and support local businesses, this holiday season:

The Hub

The Hub offers a wide variety of trinkets, accessories, wellness products and more, since it hosts 43 different vendors under one roof. When it opened in 2016, there were just five vendors renting space.

"We've definitely come a long way," shift manager Kailee Morgan said. "The building is 100 years old. It used to be a furniture store, and it was a car dealership in the 50s."

With all that space, shoppers can explore upstairs, downstairs and the main floor for a plethora of small business options, like Hound and Hares Crafts, Thread Apparel & Gift Co. and The Row, that's tough to duplicate elsewhere.

"This is the type of shopping experience that is the most relaxing for me, so I'm willing to pay a little bit more for quality and ambiance, rather than run to a real fast, large retailer," shopper Roberta Cook said.

You won't have to break the bank on Small Business Saturday though. Darla Voss, the owner of Purple Peony at The Hub, said this weekend helps her since people come in ready to buy.

"We want to offer them good prices, a good selection and things they won't find in a regular box store or the mall," she said. "They can enjoy their shopping time and leave with something really nice."

Voss said her focus in fashion is on offering pretty, comfortable clothes that are appropriate for women in an office setting.

Temple resident Debbie Macey said she's shopped at The Hub since it opened, and the different options keep her coming.

"I just love coming here because there's a great selection from different vendors, and great customer service," Macey said. "You don't have to fight the crowds or traffic to get here, and most importantly, it's a great value to our town to shop locally and keeps the tax dollars here."

Macey said she and her husband tried Black Friday shopping a few years ago to see what the buzz was all about, but they didn't get much accomplished.

On the flip said, shopper Salome Rodriguez said he's among the crowds on Black Friday, but he enjoys Small Business Saturday as well.

"It's not as crowded on Small Business Saturday," he said. "In the stores, you've got the commercial big things. If you want something that's real personal, you'll find it at a small business."

Rodriguez said he comes to The Hub to find unique gifts for his sister, nieces and nephews, but he treats himself too.

"Honestly, I never thought of myself as a fancy soap guy, until I bought it," he said. "I now have a whole collection of it."

With so many vendors under one roof, finding a deal at The Hub won't be a problem this weekend, Morgan said.

Here are some other mom and pop shops to explore:

Brickwood Boutique

Brickwood Boutique is an upscale women's boutique, featuring jewelry, apparel and home decor for the holiday season.

2nd Street Emporium

2nd Street Emporium houses five different antique vendors, who all bring unique heirlooms to the shop. Co-owner Julia Symmonds said most of the items in the shop are over 50 years old, and one vendor works with "true antiques," or items that are 100 years old and over.

"We run the whole gambit here," Symmonds said.

Shoppers can find vintage books, Mexican pottery, dishes, home decor and more at 2nd Street Emporium.

Zooty's

Zooty's is another boutique in Temple. The name of the store is a tribute to the owner's mother, and it's a family-run business, according to the website. Not only does the shop offer clothes and home decor, but it also has a monogramming and embroidery service to give customers that final personal touch.

Here's where you can shop to support local businesses in Waco:

Magnolia Market

Magnolia Market at the Silos has something for everyone at Magnolia Market at the Silos, from shopping to games, the garden and food.

Spice Village

Spice Village is a collection of more than 60 shops under one roof. They offer something for collegiate, kids, babies, home decor, men’s accessories, jewelry, souvenirs, bath and body, candles, clothing and more.

The Findery

The Findery offers six shops under its roof. According to its website, there is a style to "wow" even the most eclectic tastes.

Sironia

Sironia is a place where you shop, eat and be happy in Waco.

Simply Irresistible

Simply irresistible has merchandise for just about any budget.

Craft Gallery

The Craft Gallery offers more than 160 shops and boutiques for your shopping pleasure. Each boutique has original pieces you may not see more than once.

LaSalle Shoppes

The LaSalle Shoppes is described as "a hidden Waco and Central Texas treasure," according to its website

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