Local Towns Gear Up For Small Business Saturday
By Syma Chowdhry
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) – You've heard of Black Friday and Cyber Monday, but how about skipping those big box retailers and shopping Small Business Saturday?
"The idea is that Small Business Saturday really tries to celebrate the mom and pop shops, those living the American dream," explains Derrick Morgan, the co-owner of the Monkey's Uncle in Doylestown.
He says the town is getting some help to promote the initiative.
"In Doylestown we are actually one of 50 towns that were chosen in the entire country for sponsorship from American Express and Patch to have parking paid for throughout the entire day for shoppers," he says.
Small Business Saturday was started in 2010. Those who support the movement say the money spent stays within the neighborhood.
"Supporting the local businesses, because local businesses support the community more so than the big box stores will tend to do," Morgan adds.
And in Haddonfield, NJ the town is kicking off Small Business Saturday early. The sales started Friday morning and will last until Sunday evening.
Marlee Lick, the owner of Harrison's of Haddonfield, says, "Goodness knows we all certainly need the boost locally."
She adds that specialized items and personalized service keeps small businesses afloat.
"That helps keep the door open," Lick explains. "We still do free gift wrapping here."
Don't know what to buy but what to support a local business?
The Haddonfield Information Center offers gift certificates that can be used at any small business in town, and they're on sale this weekend.
Remi Fortunato, of the Haddonfield Information Center, says, "So if you buy a $100 gift certificate, it will only cost you $90, but when you use it at any of the stores in town, you will get the full value of $100."
To make things easier for shoppers, parking meters in Haddonfield are free starting now until the end of December.
If you want to know where to shop Saturday, visit: www.shopsmall.com
