Small Business Saturday promotes local stores

“There are statistics that show about 20% of retailers’ annual sales come in these last 2 months for holiday shopping.” said Wendy McArdle of Local First Vermont.

Although this day is dedicated to fulfilling that desire, Shaw hopes that the community will continue to support small businesses every day.

“It’s kind of like me when I go to the farmer’s market, versus the big grocery store”.

“You feel good when you purchase something that way”, said Caroline Porter who was shopping at the Melrose district. But, Bella Rose Boutique in Gulfport opened on Thanksgiving night.

The Westcott Neighborhood Association and the Westcott Area Cultural Coalition teamed up for the Westcott Winter Weekend to bring more shoppers to the community for Small Business Saturday.

Even on Black Friday, shopping small may just be the way to go.

Keeping money circulating through the local economy is something important to Harrell, but she says her real passion is the customer. “I like the extra knowledge they give you, I like the service, and the money does stay in the community”, Scott Koenig, owner of Don Jenkins Jewelers, said.

“Our small businesses are what keep our streets repaired and all of our local things going”. Consumers spent $14.3 billion dollars on this one day event past year.

Small Business Saturday has grown into a major economic boom for independent businesses in downtown Lafayette and the country.

Eaton says keeping small businesses thriving is a group effort. “They offer special savings, and gift wrapping and things like that you don’t get in those bigger stores”, said Shopper Brittony Landis.

“I love going into the stores and knowing the shop owner and having them know us”.