Monday morning, Warwick Mayor Scott Avedisian visited the Restyle Design Studio in Apponaug Village to officially announce the launch of “Shop Local, Shop Warwick,” the city’s holiday shopping campaign in support of the nationally recognized Small Business Saturday on Nov. 30 and shopping within city limits this holiday season.

“They’re going to be the one-offs, created individually for people with love and care,” said Avedisian about the specialty products that can be found at local businesses.

The mayor also pointed out that Warwick led the state in small business loans, so there are many choices when it comes to shopping small this year.

“There’s a little bit of everything here,” said Avedisian. “Come here and find something unique and special.”

Although Avedisian focused his comments on support of small businesses, this year’s campaign is encouraging citizens to shop at both small businesses and major Warwick retailers to support the local economy.

Avedisian also took a moment to express his happiness that no major retailers, to his knowledge, put in a request to be excused from state law and open on Thanksgiving Day. Only gas stations and some hardware stores are normally excused from that law.

Avedisian was put on the spot when asked where he would be found shopping this upcoming weekend. He laughed, saying he isn’t sure but he does try his hardest to stay away from large malls and plazas to focus on local businesses.

“We are encouraging it to be Small Business Weekend,” explained Lauren Slocum, president and CEO of the Central Rhode Island Chamber of Commerce, saying that a number of small businesses in the area are starting their deals on Black Friday along with major retailers and continuing through the weekend until Cyber Monday.

“When you look at the numbers, it [small businesses] can have a significant impact,” said Slocum, adding that small businesses significantly drive jobs in the area and create a better community. The chamber is creating a list of local small businesses and the various weekend sales and promotions they will be offering throughout the weekend so shoppers can decide where to go. That can be found at www.centralrichamber.com.

Slocum also pointed out that many businesses may appear to be big retailers, such as hardware stores, but they are often family-run with the ability to cater to a customer’s needs.

“There will be a lot of chaos on Route 2, so if you want to avoid that, you can come here and find personalized and special gifts and service,” said Avedisian.

One example of a local business offering unique gift ideas is the Restyle Design Studio where the announcement was hosted. Avedisian explained that he met the studio’s owner, Kristen Girouard at a Friends Way event along with Ward 1 Councilman Steven Colantuono. When they visited the store, they were impressed with what they saw.

“This is the perfect place to launch Small Business Saturday. See what you can get done here and what you can find,” said Avedisian, adding that it is a great example of unique products you can’t get anywhere else.

Girouard says she is proud to live and work in Warwick as a small business owner, saying the city is very “business-friendly.”

“To have the cleaners, the bank, the library, everything here. I want to promote a more walkable environment here in the Village,” explained Girouard, who served as the president of the Apponaug Village Improvement Association this past year.

Girouard and her business are the perfect example of a small business that can succeed in the city, which is part of the reason Avedisian chose it as the location for the “Shop Local” launch.

Girouard said she had always admired the historic building on Post Road where her business is now located. The building is known as Tide Mill and dates back to 1710. It is the oldest commercial building in the city and was once owned by Nathaniel Greene.

Girouard, who studied interior design at New England Tech 15 years ago, was finally able to purchase the building three years ago.

“When the financial crash happened, all I saw was opportunity,” said Girouard, explaining that she received $20,000 through the Historic Tax Credit to cover all exterior renovations to the building.

After a year and a half of renovations to the interior and exterior, Girouard was able to open her business in October 2012. The Restyle Design Studio focuses on refurbishing furniture for commercial and residential clients. She also offers personal shopping and styling services for interior design. Girouard explained that most of her business is by appointment only, meeting with clients to discuss specific work or pieces they would like done.

But, in honor of Small Business Saturday, the Restyle Design Studio at 3351 Post Road will be open for a pop-up gallery of local artwork, providing tours of the studio and information about what services Girouard provides.

“We’re really honored to be a part of Small Business Saturday,” said Girouard, adding that her business is a large supporter of local artists and providing custom pieces for clients. She explained that she has many examples of artwork she can provide on the walls of the studio, including some that are printed on glass, metal and wood.

Girouard explained that she does these pop-up galleries throughout the year, and hopes to do them more often. One will occur this Saturday for Small Business Saturday and every Saturday through December from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Karen Jedson, director of Warwick’s Department of Tourism, Culture and Development, was also at the announcement to share how her office is encouraging the campaign.

Nate Greene, the fictional descendent of Nathaniel Greene, will be blogging about the shopping campaign.

“Where to go, where you can find locally-made products, things like that,” said Jedson.

The Tourism Department’s website, www.visitwarwickri.com, also features a special section dedicated to the “Shop Local, Shop Warwick” campaign, featuring lists of retailers and restaurants, along with gift ideas.

Jedson explained that two years ago, the city sponsored its first “Shop Local” campaign focusing on small businesses and last year the focus was “Shop Warwick.” This year is a combination to accommodate both sides of the retail universe in the city. “We want to recognize small businesses, but we also realize we have the malls and everything,” said Jedson. “We’re all-inclusive this way.”

Visitors to the Tourism Department’s “Shop Local, Shop Warwick” page will also be able to enter for the chance to win a holiday package, including a stay at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, catering from Music Lane Café, a Warwick Mall gift certificate, and dinner at a local restaurant.