Shops See Spike this Small Business Saturday
By: Cierra Putman
Updated: November 25, 2012
Many people took a break from the malls and big box stores to shop local this weekend. It was part of Small Business Saturday - a national effort to keep money in the pockets of small business owners.
"Today is fantastic," Cindy Geller, owner of A Step Apart on Park Avenue, said. "It's another opportunity to get more foot traffic and move more product."
She was swamped as many customers came in to spend money for the third annual day Small Business Saturday. A day American Express started to honor local entrepreneurs.
"Frankly this is the best one yet," Geller said. "We appreciate the community shopping here. It's hard to compete with the big boxes - we really can't."
Last year, American Express says 100 million Americans explored their neighborhoods and found new businesses where they could shop.
"This is actually the first time I've been in this store," Todd Stein said as he perused the clothing at A Step Apart. "I saw something in the news the other day about Small Business Saturday and I decided to support it."
"Too often I go to Target or Wegmans stuff like that," Margaret Benedetto said as she looked at clothing with her daughter. "But I know these are our neighbors, and our friends, and I want to support them."
With a small shop, there's a little extra flare and special care. The owners of Cheesy Eddies on South Avenue said the day highlights their hard work while bringing in new clients and increasing profits.
"Last year we got a little bump," Colleen Baker, who owns Cheesy Eddies with her husband, said. "We heard talk about it, but this year we heard a lot more in the media about it."
"It's great for revenue and cash flow," Geller said.
It's neighbors standing by neighbors.
"It' keeps (businesses) alive," Brian Pruden said after buying cheesecake from Cheesy Eddies. "It keeps the city alive as well."
They all agree, supporting small business supports the backbone of the community.
For a list of local businesses where you can shop this holiday season click on the links bellow.
