More people shopping on Small Business Saturday
In recent years there has been a push to sit the shopping extravaganza on Black Friday out and then shop local Saturday, and it’s paying off- literally.
Small business owner Donna Bruhn spent Thanksgiving night with her daughter getting their business ready.
“Last year small business Saturday was just amazing. The amount of people that came down to support all of us as small business owner was really quite moving. SO this year we are working and getting ready a little earlier,” said Gifts On The GO business Owner, Donna Bruhn.
Small Business Saturday was started nationwide seven years ago to entice holiday shoppers to shop local, and it’s working.
“It was like that back 35 years ago and it just feels like it’s returning to a real local base which is great. Young kids are interested in it and, young 20’s and 30’s and that’s what is going to make a difference,” said Portobello’s Wwner Susan Gibbons.
“People are really getting aware of what it means to keep local owned small businesses open and prosperous. So much more money goes back into the community when you buy local,” said Bruhn.
So it’s no secret why it’s a city effort to attract shoppers to spend their hard earned money locally.
73-percent of that stays with the local community. When you spend it with the big box stores a much smaller percentage stay locally. So is you want companies there to support churches, little leagues and other non-profits, small business is where to go,” said Salinas Valley Chamber CEO Paul Farmer.
According to the U.S Small Business Administration there are 23 million small businesses nationwide and they make up approximately 40 percent of all American retail jobs.
“We hope you support them throughout the year but especially this Saturday. Go to Oldtown, go to East Salinas, the Alisal, and support your local businesses,” said Farmer.
And for longtime Salinas restaurant Portobello’s, which just relocated to the heart of Salinas they’re looking forward to that influx of people.
“love being downtown, so much going on. People walking around, saying hello to everyone it’s great. Just come on down, have fun, and Merry Christmas,” said Gibbons.
