TROY, N.Y. (NEWS10) – While Black Friday may have been all about big box stores, the Capital Region’s local shops asked those in the community to think smaller and consider celebrating Small Business Saturday. Local business owners are hoping to shed some light on the big impact small businesses have on the success and economic growth of New York State and encourage people to shop locally this holiday season.
“Black Friday is very seductive with all of the deals and how cheap everything is,” Jennifer Branco, an employee at DB Trends in Troy, said. “So we are trying to; I don’t want to say compete with that because we can’t compete with that, but it’s just more of an encouragement to get people to come out and support their local communities.”
“The more money you put into where you live and your local shops, that is what is really going to help the economy the best,” Annick Ebersole, owner of Annick Designs in Troy, said. “It’s putting your money right in your community.”
Some municipalities in Albany, highlighted the Lark Street Business Improvement District on Saturday. However, Akn Karin, the owner of Lark Central Market, said even with the potential for more foot traffic after the word is spread about Small Business Saturday, it will still be a struggle to compete with nearby chain stores and online businesses.
“There are increasing chains and online businesses, if they have the facilities,” Karin said. “But like our store, our business, we do not have the facilities, so we are not try to do that.”
Owners and employees of local restaurants and cafes, like Bud’s on Jay in Schenectady, also know the feeling of having consumers choose to spend their money with large retailers instead of on small and locally owned businesses, especially during the holidays.
“Everyone who works small business knows that there are days when you’re sitting here wishing someone would come in,” Lexi Sullivan, an employee at Bud’s on Jay, said. “Any amount of money for a small business makes such a difference, so when people shop online, it really does take away from the joy of a small coffee shop or a small book store.”
Small business owners are hoping that people will see the value they bring to the economy and consider shopping locally this holiday season.
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