A national, first-ever Small Business Saturday effort, which is being promoted by American Express, is being billed as the community business antidote to big-box stores’ Black Friday. Small Business Saturday encourages people to “shop small” and put their dollars to work supporting their neighborhood stores during difficult economic times.
“Our store is filled with so many unique and special treasures it makes it hard to compete with the deep discounts of mass chain stores. So we’re not going to try,” said interior designer Eve Lowey, owner of Studio Chameleon in the Westcliff Court shopping center, a participant in Small Business Saturday. “We’re going to make Saturday a special day where people feel like shopping isn’t some crazy experience where they get trampled on. Our store will be an oasis where people can find one-of-a-kind gifts with friendly and helpful staff to guide them.”
Small Business Saturday proponents point out these facts:
- For every $100 spent at local small businesses, $68 returns to the community. (Source: Civic Economics)
- Small businesses employ half of all private sector employees. (Source: Small Business Administration)
- For every year over the last decade, 60-80 percent of new jobs were generated by small businesses. (Source: Small Business Administration)
Other businesses in Westcliff Court that will be open for Small Business Saturday include Gardenology, Mephisto, The Red Balloon, Toy Boat, The Monogram Store and Barclay Butera. American Express is also offering $25 off cardholder statements when they shop at a participating Small Business Saturday store, such as Studio Chameleon.
More information on Small Business Saturday can be found at www.facebook.com/Open or www.smallbusinesssaturday.com.
