Evan Vitale Consulting: Businesses looking forward to Small Business Saturday

Sunday, November 23, 2014

Businesses looking forward to Small Business Saturday – Alton Telegraph

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ALTON — Most people are familiar with Black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving when shoppers storm the doors of area retail outlets and electronics stores hoping to score a deal or two.

In 2010, American Express created Small Business Saturday to support those businesses that take a backseat the large chains on Black Friday. Every year since the movement has grown, with more local businesses participating and more area residents supporting those businesses.

In Alton, more than 30 businesses are planning to participate in this year’s event, which will take place on Nov. 29. Throughout the course of the day, locally owned businesses will be offering discounts, giveaways and other deals to entice customers to keep it local this holiday season.

And it has become more than just a day for many small business owners in the area. Andrea Abbott, who owns The Gift Box at 300 E. Broadway in Alton, said the day is “the most important day of the year.”

“I think it’s our Black Saturday,” Abbott said. “Black Friday and small businesses isn’t as crazy as (at) Wal-Mart and Target and all that. But since American Express came up with the whole Small Business Saturday thing, it’s our busiest day of the year. It’s kind of make it or break it. And it makes it every year.”

Owners Felicia Breen and Chad Nelson said their business, Mississippi Mud Pottery, located at 310 E. Broadway, has taken part in Small Business Saturday since it began. Since most of the store’s business is done locally, a day where the public turns out to support Alton’s businesses is paramount to its success, Breen said.

“Since it became mainstream, it’s been a really great thing,” Breen said. “People really respond to it. It’s our highest-grossing sales day of the entire year. People really come out and support Small Business Saturday.”

And it’s not just retail stores that appreciate the patronage. Many local restaurants also offer specials and discounts on the day to encourage shoppers to dine locally.

Kary Lockwood, the proprietor of State Street Market located at 208 State St. in Alton, said the eatery sees an uptick in volume on Small Business Saturday as shoppers travel to and from stores.

“I think people are conscious of it,” Lockwood said. “I think shoppers and people who are going out to lunch, especially in this town, I think they consider giving the locals a little more business.”

Nathan Grimm may be reached at 618-208-6451 or on Twitter @GrimmTelegraph.

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