Store owners prepare for Saturday discounts, promotions
Nov 24, 2012 (Menafn - The Sentinel - McClatchy-Tribune Information Services via COMTEX) --While Black Friday has always proven to be a boon for Carlisle Electronics and Appliance Center on the Harrisburg Pike, the store's owner said he still looks forward to Small Business Saturday.
"Small Business Saturday has treated us very well, and it is amazing to see how many customers prefer shopping at independent dealers," said owner Harold Vaughn. "People want a fair price and they want customer attention. That's exactly what our customers want and we strive to give it to them."
Many local businesses are expected to participate today in Small Business Saturday, which was created in 2010 by American Express as a means to help small businesses get more exposure during one of the biggest shopping weekends of the year.
Last year, more than 100 million people shopped independently-owned small businesses on Small Business Saturday, according to American Express.
"It is so easy for all of us to go online and order something, but the element that's missing in that is walking up and down an aisle and getting something that may be created locally or having that local feel," said Michelle Crowley, president of the Greater Carlisle Area Chamber of Commerce.
"Small Business Saturday is just businesses that are open this Saturday that have some sort of retail component," Crowley said.
Among the special offerings by local businesses today, Carlisle Tae Kwon Do & Fitness Academy is offering 50 percent off new memberships plus a free uniform.
Valarie Moyer of Valarie Moyer Unique Dolls & Gifts is offering Woodford Wicks Candles for half price and a buy one get half off sale on Cookie Lee Jewelry.
"Wooden Time Pieces make excellent gifts (and) Tense Wooden Watches are in stock," Moyer said.
Those who use an American Express card at a small business today will receive a 25 credit on that card, according to the Pheasant Field Bed & Breakfast in Carlisle. Miss Ruth's Timebomb on High Street plans its official grand re-opening today. The store will have a number of special activities to celebrate, including a disc jockey, light refreshments and customers can enter to win a gift certificate to Miss Ruth's Time Bomb or a massage from David Bender, a licensed massage therapist.
The Carlisle Bakery on South Hanover Street plans to host a toy drive for children with cancer during Small Business Saturday, according to owner John Bogonis. The drive will benefit the Children's Cancer Recovery Foundation, which assists children and their families who are facing the hardships of a cancer diagnosis.
The Foundation focuses on improving the mental, social and emotional well-being of these families while helping to minimize the devastation that cancer can cause.
Any child who wishes to bring an unwrapped toy -- such as board games, crayons, coloring books, markers, video games, puzzles, teddy bears and craft kits -- will receive a free Christmas Cookie from the bakery.
They'll also be entered into a drawing to win a Christmas Cake and Christmas Pie that can be redeemed at the bakery any time during the month of December, Bogonis said.
Crowley said discounts, sales and other attractions will be available throughout Carlisle and the region today.
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