Since its founding in 2010 by American Express, Small Business Saturday has emerged as a major event for holiday shoppers who want to support their community.
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Ziegler said Crystal Books & Gifts competes with “big” stores on a regular basis because they win customers over, like Froelich, due to their neighborhood feel. She says shoppers are often looking for unique gifts and items and that’s where your small business retailer comes in handy.
While officials say small shops give to the community, shop owners say the community gives back to the local shops.
“We have a lot of local restaurants, a lot of great little shops to shop in, great places to walk downtown and visit”, said Watkins Glen Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Rebekah LaMoreaux.
“It’s kind of amusing you see that they’re bringing in hundreds of thousands of dollars in a matter of a day or two, and I’m thinking, why isn’t this money hitting our stores?” asked Damien Killen, owner of Killen’s Enterprises. Darcy Carter of Small Business Association told us in an interview on Local 44 News This Morning.
According to the Austin Independent Business Alliance for every $100 you spend at a chain store, 13 of that stays in the local economy. That’s why Saturday November 28 is a very special and important day for local businesses. He adds that the money he earns at his store is all spent within the local community, while big box stores generally remove money from local communities.
Another promotion among downtown businesses is the Shop Small Selfie Challenge. The Saturday following Black Friday is geared strictly toward small businesses.
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“For small businesses it can be as much as 40%”.
