Small Businesses Appreciate Customers Support for Small Business Saturday

Small Business Saturday was a big hit for many small businesses this year in Ellwood!

Small Business Saturday was introduced less than a decade ago as a shopping holiday to encourage locals to support small businesses in their area and according to results from the Small Business Saturday Consumer Insights Survey, this year, an estimated 112 million consumers reported shopping at small businesses on Small Business Saturday, marking a 13 percent increase from 2015. For many Ellwoodians, their local shopping spree on Saturday undoubtedly contributed to the Small Business Saturday stats and our valued local businesses bottom line.

As the shopping holiday is gaining popularity, many small businesses are noticing the increased community support.

“I think that people are finally starting to recognize the Saturday after Thanksgiving as a shopping holiday,” Lisa Fox, the owner of Kimples Jewelers on Lawrence Ave. commented, further stating that she had a steady flow of customers and she witnessed the sidewalks filled with shoppers.

Many people are under the impression that Small Business Saturday is just a day to support local shops without any benefits, however this assumption couldn’t be more wrong.

Despite all the regular benefits that shopping locally can provide, many of the participating shops offer discounted services and products specifically for customers to exploit in support of the shopping holiday.

Posies by Patti was one of many businesses who offered discounts for those who supported the local shop day.

“We had a great response on Small Business Saturday. Sales were great and many people shopped local and small! We offered 20% off on Christmas decor,” Patti Kuhn, the owner of Posies by Patti happily announced in regards to their participation.

As a result of an aggressive marketing campaign by the team and the support of the local community, Venezie Sporting Goods and Apparel’s sales significantly increased compared to last year.

“Small Business Saturday this year was a huge success. We tripled our sales from this day last year and were able to offer an even larger discount”, said Vanessa Venezie, Manager of Venezie Sporting Goods & Apparel.

“We are happy to provide the community with a discount day that benefits everyone and allows people to shop in downtown Ellwood City. We not only benefited, but I saw National Grind’s line out the door. I’m happy to see the activity downtown,” Venezie added.

Overall, the local businesses are extremely appreciative and recognizing of the communities support.

“People were festive and embracing the shopping event,” said Mary Kay Morabito, the owner of Shop at the Underpass. “The turnout was nice and we offered discounts and specials that customers took advantage of. It was a win-win for both our customers and us!”

P.S. If you shopped big on Black Friday and small on Small Business Saturday- don’t forget to shop virtually today for Cyber Monday! Happy Shopping!