Small businesses ready for Saturday
Businesses taking part in 2015’s Small Business Saturday reaped benefits
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Locally-owned small businesses will have their day in the spotlight next weekend during Small Business Saturday.
Created in 2010 by American Express, Small Business Saturday is held each year the Saturday after Thanksgiving to kick off the holiday shopping season for small retailers.
For the fourth year, the Blair County Chamber of Commerce and some of its members will participate in the event.
"I think anything we can do to raise awareness of the importance of small businesses is certainly an effort well spent," said Joe Hurd, chamber president and CEO. "I don't know if there is any group that is more underappreciated than small businesses. I think there needs to be more of an emphasis on what small businesses bring to the community, not only economic value, but also to the quality of life they are impacting."
The Bedford County Chamber of Commerce also is participating as a community champion for the American Express Shop Small Campaign again this year.
The Bedford County campaign promotes Small Business Saturday as well as buy-local habits throughout the holidays. The chamber has put together a multimedia campaign to get the word out about the importance of buying local and supporting local businesses throughout the holidays.
"We as a chamber and Bedford County business community stress shop small all year round. Nationally, there is a one-day focus, but we as a chamber and as a business community promote shopping at small businesses throughout the year," said Kellie Goodman Shaffer, president and CEO.
Hurd said small businesses, not the larger ones, are the backbone of the local economy.
"We have far more small businesses than large. It is not the large ones that are growing. It is the small businesses that are hiring more and taking more interest in community development. Small businesses are the unsung heroes in successful communities," Hurd said.
First-time participants are excited about Small Business Saturday.
"I think it is really an opportunity for people to recognize the importance small businesses have on the local economy. People don't always realize the dollars spent when they shop locally can be spent over and over again by local workers and businesses. Every person that lives and works in our community works in some business. In most cases, they are small businesses. We have very few big, big companies in our area," said Todd Lewis, owner and treasurer of Shoe Fly Shoes, Pleasant Valley Shopping Center.
"I am excited to participate in this. It is a great opportunity to show off our small businesses. … This gives us smaller guys an opportunity to say 'We are over here,'" said Christie Jordan, owner of DiVersity Salon and Spa.
"A lot of small business owners were employees who wanted to become employers. Small businesses help rejuvenate the community. It gives people aspirations to start their own businesses," she said.
Jordan said she hopes to get some new customers and will let people know she will move her business from 1302 11th Ave. to 1116A 12th St. by the start of next year.
"I see this as a rebirth of my business, and about new things to come," Jordan said.
Businesses that have been participating in the event have seen benefits from Small Business Saturday.
"Last year was one of my top sales days of the year. It was also one of the top foot-traffic days," said Natasha McKnight, owner of Sapphire 9, 225 Allegheny St., Hollidaysburg. "Small business is very important to the local economy. It is money spent that stays local and helps everyone in the community. We can give you a customized experience you can't find in the big box stores."
"It is always a big weekend for us," said Robert Fiore, president of Fiore Furniture, 201 Cayuga Ave. "I love the idea. I think it is great our chamber got involved with that promotion and that the Altoona Mirror has dovetailed with it.
"It is a win-win for all of us. I think it demonstrates the whole practice of Buy Here, Live Here with the chamber. We are the first ones the people come to to sponsor events. We are part of the community."
Kimberly McEldowney, co-owner of New Look Uniform & Embroidery Inc., 800 S. 20th St., hopes to gain some new customers.
"We believe in shopping locally: Buy Here, Live Here. I hate it when people say they can 'get it online.' We feel we should support our local businesses," McEldowney said. "We hope by participating we will get more people to come in and see what we do. We don't just sell uniforms."
Lee Anne Ehredt, owner of Green Home Goods, 5901 Sixth Ave., is turning the day into an event.
"We will have extended hours (from 10 a.m. to
8 p.m.), and entertainment at night. We are turning the day into an event to coincide with Small Business Saturday," Ehredt said. "We are trying to drive traffic from the big box stores. Black Friday is all about the malls and big box stores. This is about encouraging people to shop local and small. It has helped bring attention to small businesses. The whole movement helps us through the season."
The Hollidaysburg Community Partnership is holding a special event in conjunction with Small Business Saturday.
"We are helping to promote Small Business Saturday through a coupon book. Several of our local businesses are offering a discount for that day only. We have about 16 of our members participating," Hollidaysburg Main Street Manager Mike Balchin said.
He suggested that people check the HCP Facebook page to see when and where the coupon books can be picked up.
Blair Mill Outlet is one of the HCP members that is participating.
"We are trying to be smart businesses in the community. We are not like the big box stores where the money goes to corporations, not the little people. We are one of the larger small businesses. We are just trying to keep business local," owner Jeff Arthur said.
Mirror Staff Writer Walt Frank is at 946-7467.