Stonington ― You’ve heard of Black Friday, and perhaps you’re familiar with Small Business Saturday, and maybe you know the 2010 Nicki Minaj album “Pink Friday,” but Pink Friday is also the name of a movement to get people to shop at small businesses before Black Friday ― and it’s coming to the Velvet Mill this Friday.

From 5 to 8 p.m. there will be an event featuring sales and deals from shops, a pop-up market, live music from Dr. Westchesterson on piano, and a food drive to benefit the Gemma E. Moran United Way/Labor Food Center.

Pink Friday is an initiative of the boutique industry group The Boutique Hub, which asks, “What if the entire small business community collaborated this holiday season to drive major awareness to shopping small … first?” It’s held the Friday before Black Friday.

Alisha Cadoret-Sturges, owner of the clothing shop Valomie Boutique, said she heard about the concept and brought it to the Velvet Mill. She said small businesses have their chance on Small Business Saturday, but people may feel burnt out or have already shopped.

She wants it to be not only for retail but also for restaurants. Food and beverage participants in the Velvet Mill include Whitecrest Eatery, Woodfella’s Pizza, Beer’d Brewing and Rum Tropic Distillery.

People looking to donate nonperishable canned and boxed food items can drop them off in a box by the main entrance ― the one on the west end of Bayview Avenue, by Zest Fresh Pastry ― or a box by Velvet Espresso Bar, adjacent to the South Studios. Items will be accepted from Friday through Monday.

e.moser@theday.com