Local retailers welcome shoppers on Small Business Saturday
UPDATE 11/28/16 1:25 PM: For independent retailers in Santa Cruz and around the country, Small Business Saturday is the traditional kick off to the holiday season.
“My husband’s not going to be very happy when he looks at the credit card statement,” said Suzanne, a customer.
Stores like Eco Goods and Book Shop Santa Cruz offered free gifts and 20 percent discounts on some items.
“You come in and find connection and people who want to talk to you about the product and really come in and support local business,” said Casey Coonerty-Protti, owner of Book Shop Santa Cruz.
Retailers said events like Small Business Saturday offer more than bargains. They help stores stay afloat in a sea of big box stores and online shopping.
“It is conscious consumerism, is what it is, so you can make a little difference by voting with your dollar and supporting a local business,” said Elaine Berke, owner of Eco Ggoods.
According to the County, 82 percent of Santa Cruz businesses are small, locally-owned businesses. The County says 68 cents of every dollar spent stays in the community, compared to 43 cents when shopping with national retailers.
“We just celebrated our 50th anniversary and really the only reason why we did that is because our community has supported us again and again,” said Coonerty-Protti.
While shoppers were inside the stores, security patrols patrolled downtown, offering occasional safety recommendations to shoppers.
“If you have anything expensive in your car just like put it somewhere where nobody can see it, because people can break into your car and people can vandalize your car,” said Julio Cintora, of Panthers Security.
Overall, shoppers said they felt satisfaction in supporting local businesses.
“It feels good to thoughtfully buy a gift for a friend from someone who cares about what they’re doing, a store that is invested in local culture and you know isn’t just trying to push product,” said shopper Julia Sinn.
ORIGINAL STORY:
Local retailers, restaurants, and local businesses are hoping Small Business Saturday will spur local holiday spending tomorrow.
In Santa Cruz County, more than 1,000 restaurants, retailers, and local businesses are participating, many offering discounts and incentives to shoppers. Stores in downtown Salinas are involved as well.
The promotion urges shoppers nationwide to buy from small, locally-owned businesses in their communities.
According to a Santa Cruz County spokesperson, 68 cents of every dollar spent locally stays in the community, compared to 43 cents per dollar spent with national retailers.
To see a list of participating retailers in Santa Cruz County, click here.
