Shop small, shop local
—Photo by MARY MALONE Several downtown Sandpoint businesses will participate in Small Business Saturday, Nov. 26, with sales, refreshments and a $250 shopping spree giveaway.
SANDPOINT — It's that time of year again when shoppers look for great deals on Black Friday and Cyber Monday, but don't forget about great local deals on Small Business Saturday.
Deanna Harris of Sharon's Hallmark on First Avenue said some of the downtown Sandpoint stores will have different promotions and sales, and some will even have refreshments.
"It's just a fun day to be downtown," she said. "You see multi-generations out shopping together, you see people bringing their holiday visitors downtown, so it's definitely more holiday atmosphere."
Harris said 19 downtown businesses have grouped together to give away a $250 shopping spree Saturday as well.
Anyone can enter to win by visiting one of the participating businesses, which include Alpine Shop, Eve's Leaves, Ponderay Winery, Cedar Street Bistro, Northwest Handmade, Larson's Department Store, Azalea, Great Stuff, Meadow Brook, Finnan McDonald, Zanie Zebra, Sharon's Hallmark, Creations, Artworks Gallery, Petal Talk, Pedro's, Cedar Day Spa, Carousel and Bella Terra.
American Express launched the first Small Business Saturday on Nov. 27, 2010, to encourage people across the country to support small, local businesses.
"Black Friday — it used to be that's all you ever heard of," Harris said. "For us it was a tough weekend, but over the last couple of years we've really started to see that shoppers pay attention to where they are shopping."
According to a statement by the United States Small Business Association, there are five reasons to shop small on Small Business Saturday.
• Support local job growth: Small businesses create two out of three net new private-sector jobs in the U.S. which spurs economic development and job growth.
• Make and economic impact: The average consumer spent $170 on Small Business Saturday last year for a total of $16.2 billion spent at local merchants.
• Be a part of a growing tradition: Sandwiched between Black Friday and Cyber Monday, 95 million people shopped small on Small Business Saturday last year, up 8 percent from the year before.
• Enjoy a tasty meal or treat: One million restaurants across the U.S. are also part of Small Business Saturday and employ one out of 10 working Americans.
• Participate in a neighborhood event: Many local businesses work together to host special Small Business Saturday events.
Harris said Small Business Saturday "kicks off" the holidays for the downtown businesses.
Ladies Shopping Night will be held Dec. 9 and Men's Shopping Night is Dec. 23.