Shoppers fill local stores for Small Business Saturday

The Black Friday bargains might be coming to a close but the holiday deals will still continue for small businesses. Saturday marks another shopping day of the holiday season. “It’s a struggle to stay in business if people don’t shop local”, said Kraus. “You come into a small shop you’re greeted immediately by the owner or person running the shop”. “It’s unique things when you buy them”.

She says shopping at your local small businesses keeps money right here in the community and it’s more personal. We lost four Fortune 500 companies over the period of five or six years.

Even though the weather isn’t cooperating, people here say they are still happy to see all the people and all the businesses that came out. “The entertainment and all that, the restaurants, is definitely bringing more people downtown”, said Steve Sauer, of Camera Corner.

“I think we have a little niche to fill and we have a lot of layers of what we do here”.

Area retailers offered something special this year, a shop hop between seven stores in Downtown Rock Island and Davenport. Their style, their taste, it’s kind of fun.

“Today is such a special day just to be able to say thank you to our customer”, said Meredith Loafman, owner of My Friend’s Place.

“Your money is staying in the community when you shop local as opposed to it going to a CEO”, Field said.

“I think it’s really important that we support local businesses”. It’s probably been the busiest day since I’ve been open and I haven’t been open that long.

Froelich said she also enjoys downtown for its the friendly environment and the interaction between shop owners and customers. “I just gives an opportunity for more businesses to come here if we support locally”, Dowson said.

After Mayor Brian Blad signed a proclamation Thursday at the City Council meeting, he has urged residents to support local small businesses in Pocatello.