Black Friday has become ingrained in our American culture. But, another shopping date, Small Business Saturday, is gaining momentum.
Mother of four, Lana Ackerman just isn't in to Black Friday, which is why she hits small, locally-owned stores, such as Kidtopia in Sioux Falls to do her Christmas shopping.
"I try to avoid Black Friday. I like the idea we can come in here. I don't do a lot of Internet shopping. I like to be able to look at the products, myself. I just think these are great little stores that have unique items," Ackerman said.
That's what toy store owner Sheryl Nelson is counting on; that customers will see the value in small business.
"Sixty-eight out of $100 spent locally is kept in the community, versus a big box store where only $40 is kept in the community. It makes a big difference if you shop local," Nelson said.
Small Business Saturday was started by American Express and is backed by the Small Business Administration. There's even a Congressional resolution urging you to participate. Nearly 100,000 consumers have signed up on American Express' website to use their card to spend at least $25 on November 24 and get a $25 credit on their statement.
"It is nice from a marketing standpoint that there is a combined effort to have recognition to small business in this area," Lisa Schultz of Tote-Ally Gorgeous Boutique said. "Sometimes it is difficult to compete with bigger stores because their buying power is much larger than ours is. But we try to deliver on personalized service, unique inventory as well as having a fun shopping experience for our customers."
Just a couple of doors down at the Bridges shopping center is locally owned Tote-Ally Gorgeous Boutique. And just like Kidtopia, it's offering some specials and give-aways the day "after" Black Friday.
"I think that's the main thing American Express is doing with shop local, is just to get the awareness out that, hey, it's important to keep money in communities it's not all about the big box stores," Schultz said.
All local shops can benefit on Small Business Saturday, but for a list of participating merchants in our area and the specials they're offering click here.
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