SALISBURY – The biggest shopping day of the year may be over for large retailers, but today, small businesses hope it’s their turn.
Scott Coleman, who runs Dead Ed’s on East Innes Street in Salisbury, said he doesn’t look forward to Black Friday when business is slow for the alternative clothing store.
Instead, he’s been waiting for the day after.
“Black Friday is the big box store day, so that’s what everybody does,” Coleman said. “I hope Small Business Saturday makes up for what the big box stores get to do.”
Gov. Beverly Perdue has proclaimed today as Small Business Saturday in North Carolina. Consumers are encouraged to use the Saturday after Thanksgiving, between Black Friday and Cyber Monday, to shop at small businesses around the state.
It’s part of a growing national event dedicated to supporting small businesses on one of the busiest shopping weekends of the year.
For the third year in a row, American Express is promoting Small Business Saturday by offering a $25 statement credit. Cardmembers must first enroll their card at www.shopsmall.com, then use it today to spend $25 or more on a single in-store transaction at a qualifying small business.
An interactive map, available at www.shopsmall.com, can help shoppers find local small businesses that accept American Express cards where they can redeem the offer.
Those businesses include restaurants, coffee shops, retail stores and other locally operated establishments.
Jennie Pfaff, owner of Tranqwool Knitting Provisions on South Salisbury Avenue in Spencer, said the time between Thanksgiving and Christmas is extremely important for her shop.
“Half of my customers are knitting things for Christmas,” she said. “There’s this huge run up to Christmas where everybody’s knitting and trying to get their gifts done.”
Pfaff said she appreciates the recent push to buy American and shop local, and businesses like hers are eager to meet that growing demand.
The Green Goat Gallery shares a building with Tranqwool and also depends on the holiday season for an end-of-year boost. Owner Anne Waters said more shoppers start coming in this time of year looking for unique art pieces.
“A lot of ours are destination gifts or special occasion gifts, and those large purchases are certainly crucial to our business,” Waters said.
She said the gallery is starting its holiday open house this weekend, complete with hot apple cider.
Pam Coffield, owner of Stichin’ Post Gifts on South Main Street in Salisbury, said shoppers can avoid the holiday season’s traffic and crowds by going to local stores.
“You may not realize it, but there are so many cute boutique shops in downtown Salisbury and so many places to eat,” Coffield said. “There are so many good places right here under our noses. … It’s so much more fun to stay right here.”
Contact reporter Karissa Minn at 704-797-4222.
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