Shoppers celebrate local retailers
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POLSON – The turkey and pumpkin pie had probably worn off by Saturday, so people were ready for a round of shopping on Small Business Saturday.
Bobbie Goldberg, owner of Second Nature Gifts and Goods in Polson, said business at her shop doubled on Saturday, compared to Black Friday. “I was so thrilled the community showed up to support our downtown,” she said. “It’s so important that people support our small shops if they want to keep our downtown alive. I was impressed by the support.”
In recent years, the Saturday after Black Friday has become officially known as Small Business Saturday, which is a day when consumers are encouraged to visit small local shops, instead of large corporate retailers.
Small Business Saturday is relatively new compared to its big-box brother, Black Friday, and has grown into a significant event in its own right. Created almost a decade ago, the nationwide event was organized by credit-card company American Express, as a way to support all types of locally owned businesses.
Polson businesses saw an extra boost in customers on Saturday. A steady stream of customers came into the Sandpiper Gallery on the special day of shopping looking for that personalized gift you can’t find in a box store. “We have definitely seen an increase in traffic today,” said Sandpiper Gallery President Olivia Olsen.
The local economic impact is huge. A new study done by American Express found that two-thirds of every dollar spent by shopping locally on Small Business Saturday stays in the local community where it was spent.