Small Business Saturday Gives Local Stores a Holiday Boost

Small businesses are unique but on day’s like Black Friday when “big box” stores are king they’re often forgotten.

Sandy Burnett, who has been shopping local for years, said it is important to invest in the city where she lives.

“We’ve been promoting it with our Facebook page, our e-mail list”, says Joan Wilkening, owner of Mrs. Pinkadot.

“Shopping local and shopping small businesses is a way to keep your community vibrant”, say Karlee May of the Downtown Boise Association (DBA). Last year, the company estimated that $14.3 billion was spent at small, independent businesses on Small Business Saturday.

Peggy Calhoun has been a local business owner for 18 years.

“I live in the Gables, I work in the Gables, so bringing people to the Gables to shop, I think it’s great”.

An income some local businesses say is needed just in time for the holidays.

“Them coming in and buying our stuff Saturday gives everybody money not just the store”, said Kidzone spokesperson Tina Kastanek.

According to American Express, the first ever small business Saturday took place in 2010, and it encourages people across the country to support small local businesses.

Small Business Saturday is all about spending money locally.

Nitza’s clothing shop downtown was also busy setting up for the season and encouraging the community to check out all shops in the area.

Eaton says keeping small businesses thriving is a group effort. “Local stores have their own personalities to them that’s completely unique and that’s what makes an experience memorable”.

Small business owners want you to think of them when you hear holiday sales.

Customers like Emilee Griffith would rather shop local than in big box stores or online.