SB business owner talks about the importance of Small Business Saturday

Holiday shopping no longer is set exclusively on the Black Friday deals.

“Panama City, we are a small coastal community and the mom and pop stores we are your friends, we are your neighbors, we are the people you go to church with and when you shop here you’re supporting your friends”, said Bell.

Owners of Brown’s Cycles say, it’s a circle of support when you buy locally.

The hashtag #ShopSmallShopLocal was trending on social media, helping small businesses go the extra mile to compete with big name retailers. “It’s small businesses, it’s family businesses, it’s what has been here before Savannah was cool”, says 24e owner Ruel Joyner. But in between those shopping days is Small Business Saturday, designed nationwide to support small local businesses.

According to American Express previous year, shoppers spent $14.3 billion dollars at locally owned stored and restaurants on Small Business Saturday.

It’s the one time of the year where shopping small makes a big difference.

Shoppers across Texoma embarked on many local businesses in the area today for one of the biggest shopping days for small businesses. It keeps your community interesting, it keeps your dollars local. “You really get to know all of your customers and see the results of what you sold them”.

“Personal service. You’ll still be able to find someone to help you find something you’re looking for”.

Dee florea, owner of Gigi’s Cupcakes, said, “Centennial Place is a great strip mall”.

Melanie Farmer, the Vice President of the Downtown Business Association, said that last year’s event was a hit in the community. Cynthia Garcia, an employee at the store, Cynthia Garcia told us, “I’m local and we live and work here and we love it. We love getting to be a part of something that…it’s a true community aspect”. That problem was solved by American Express creating Shop Small Saturday several years ago to promote small businesses.

Brown also said it’s important for people to support Bakersfield’s businesses.