A success for downtown businesses — Small Business Saturday
But it is Small Business Saturday, the day between Black Friday and Cyber Monday that encourage folks to think of the small shops that benefit local economies. “We buy our stuff here”, said Masters.
Most small business owners say it’s pointless to open on Black Friday because most of the shoppers will be at the big box stores.
“Be able to get the great benefit of the publicity is great for our businesses”, said Pigtown Main Street Executive Director Ben Hyman.
Loeb says the local stores have a lot of competition with big box stores, but customers shop local because there is one thing the bigger stores are missing. Shoppers added that by coming downtown, not only are you supporting your community, but it gives you the chance to get something unique that you might not get anywhere else.
The employees at Bleu Frog are looking forward to Saturday, and hope to see you all there. “It’s not just people shopping and spending money it’s making people happy and helping people”.
“It really does make a difference”, DeLaney said.
And Lockhart says the timing is flawless.
“I think it’s fantastic, and quite honestly being here today it’s been a community”, said one shopper. It goes back to wherever these stores are headquartered.
Either way it’s an opportunity for the small businesses to get the spot light.
But the owners say it’s about more than just the money.
“The most important about being a small business is that we can offer the customer service that we do to our customers”, said Matthew Cesario, the General Manager of Triple Play Records. “And it’s also an enjoyable atmosphere”.