Shoppers come out Saturday for more Christmas shopping
Nov 25, 2012 (Menafn - The Daily Review - McClatchy-Tribune Information Services via COMTEX) --Deb Cole of Barton, N.Y. likes small business.
She was at a Sayre store, Friendship Star Quilt Shop at 222 Desmond St., on "Small Business Saturday" to show her support for mom-and-pop stores.
The expertise of small business owners and employees impressed her.
"The beauty of small business is the person who helps you actually knows what they're doing," she commented. "Small business knows their business."
Maryanne Geiss, who co-owns the quilt and sewing supply shop with Mary Lou Palmer, said they were offering 15 percent off items in the store for "Small Business Saturday" and extending the special to Wednesday. The exception to the discount was handmade wooden products.
"We've actually been busy," she said. "Usually, Saturdays are quite slow. We've seen quite a few people come in."
"I think it's a good idea because America was built on small business, and it still is. With any small business, you have a more personal connection with your customer, and I think they appreciate that."
"In my opinion, small businesses are the lifeblood of America, and they always have been."
She promoted "Small Business Saturday" on her own Facebook page.
Customer Vonnie Baxter of Troy was shopping at the store, and she thought "Small Business Saturday" was "wonderful."
She said small businesses are more personal.
Palmer expressed a similar comment.
"We have direct contact with our customers, so we can give them personalized service."
She said "Small Business Saturday" was "a good way to introduce" all the small businesses to customers in the Valley.
On Main Street in Towanda, Baskets, Blooms, and Beyond was offering 20 percent off a customer's purchase for "Small Business Saturday."
"We've been pretty busy," said clerk Carie Cory.
"It's a good thing to promote local shopping and downtown shopping. It helps keep the downtown going."
She said the owner, Lynn Daly, was excited about "Small Business Saturday."
In Canton, Canton Antiques and Such on West Main Street was offering 20 percent off everything for the day.
"Business has been brisk," said owner Sylvia Betzer. "It's definitely a plus."
"Small Business Saturday" was part of the "Canton Country Christmas," sponsored by the Canton Area Chamber of Commerce.
"Merchant Passports" were available at all participating businesses and restaurants, which validated the passports for customers. Each validation was an entry into a drawing for prizes.
The first prize was accommodations for two people to the Canadian side of Niagara Falls.
Eric Hrin can be reached at (570) 297-5251; email: reviewtroy@thedailyreview.com.
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