Sonari Glinton, NPR
The idea behind Small Business Saturday is to direct consumers to mom-and-pop stores that probably didn’t get swamped by the Black Friday bonanza. These small businesses might not have the best deal on a TV, but experts say they are an important factor in overall economic recovery.
Jammed between Gray Thursday, Black Friday and Cyber Monday is yet another day devoted to shopping: Small Business Saturday. Wallets [were] expected to open yet again on Saturday — this time for mom-and-pop stores. Main Street in Littleton, Colo., is filled with them. The street is lined with small bars and restaurants along with other businesses, including a spice store and a men’s clothing boutique.
Dave Drake owns Colorado Frame and Savvy Stuff, the “savvy stuff” being women’s accessories, purses, scarves and decorations. Drake, who has owned the store for 34 years, says he and his fellow business owners give customers what they want and what they don’t expect.
“It’s unique, it’s fun, it’s local. We will carry products that they won’t find anywhere else except in downtown Littleton, in the historic area, such as a poster of the old racetrack that used to be down here,” he says. “And across the street, she carries art and products that were made here locally. They won’t find that anywhere else. So if they want to see it, they’ve got to come here.”
Drake says he’s seen a difference during the holiday season since businesses along the strip in Littleton started participating in Small Business Saturday three years ago.
The government estimates that last year 100 million people participated in Small Business Saturday. The idea grew out of a program from American Express. Some say it’s a way for the company to court small business, which often don’t take AmEx cards because of higher fees. The company continues to spend millions promoting the day, which has also drawn support from the White House.
(Hear the full story at KUHF Public Radio)
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