Nov 25, 2017 4 min read

WASHINGTON – For small businesses across the nation, the day after Black Friday is the start of the holiday shopping season.

Small Business Saturday is the day specialty shops gear up for all year.

Dr. Kelly Hunt heads Pittsburgh’s U.S. Small Business Administration district office and said shopping small is the lifeblood of towns across the nation. Hunt spent Saturday shopping in her native Washington.

“I believe in the power of small businesses,” she said. Hunt is a small business owner herself.

She helped usher in a new offering this year in Washington: a handmade market with artisans and crafters at Main Street pavilion.

Debbie Schuessler, owner of Debbie’s Denim Designs, said although there wasn’t a lot of traffic in the pavilion, the people that did visit were interested and purchased items. She hopes the tradition continues and said a food vendor would be a welcome addition to the pop-up maker’s market next year.

Mother-daughter pair Barb and Kim Dunst said they were out shopping in Washington Saturday to help support local businesses. They weren’t looking for anything specific, but Kim said popcorn from Popcorn Willy was a must. Their only complaint was the event felt scattered, and they wished more businesses were open.

Linda Troost and Sayre Greenfield said the newly-opened Emerald Valley Artisans shop at 145 S. Main St. brought them out Saturday. Living in East Washington, Greenfield said it’s nice to have businesses within walking distance. They also were looking for small stocking stuffers ahead of the holiday season.

Several businesses had tastings and deals to draw customers in.

Emerald Valley co-founder Alisa Fava Fasnacht said the response was incredible at her store, which opened early with people waiting at the door.

“It’s really been robust,” she said.

The turnout involved a variety of consumers thankful for the artisanal cheese shop.

“They’re also waiting for Main Street to come back,” she said.

There are lots of reasons to shop at local shops over big-box retailers, Hunt said. Vibrant and active downtowns save money. Empty storefronts are expensive and drive away shoppers. Specialized stores have unique or handmade offerings that can’t be found anywhere else. People love Etsy shops, but many online crafters also have a physical store. Shopping local is also a great way to meet neighbors.

“I try to shop for other people and I end up coming home with things for myself,” Hunt added with a chuckle. “Consider adding shopping small to your Christmas shopping.”

Barb and Kim Dunst said since they live in Washington, they enjoy supporting local businesses. They also often see people they know as they’re out shopping.

“Spending money at a small business keeps money in your local community,” Hunt said. “These are your neighbors. These are your friends.”

“When I was growing up, malls were the retail and restaurant hubs; now it’s about bringing back Main Street shops for those unique finds and unparalleled customer service. That’s what people crave,” Hunt said in a release.

Last year, 112 million people shopped small on Small Business Saturday and spent an estimated $15.4 million.

“We know that it’s working,” Hunt said. “For the most part, that’s when they kick off the holiday season.”

Small Business Saturday started in 2010 to compliment both Black Friday and Cyber Monday.

In Charleroi, Small Business Saturday is the perfect precursor to the holiday parade and celebration.

E-Kernal-lyYours Gourmet Popcorn Shop hosted a maker’s market. Owner Addio Fiordigigli said before he was able to afford his location at 230 McKean Ave., he was running the business out of his home. He knew other small businesses were in a similar situation, and he had space and thought he could use it to help other business owners.

The collaboration worked well: the vendors brought in new customers, a symbiotic exchange of buyers. He also gave away dozens of gift baskets. Customers were able to enter raffles by checking in on Facebook or spending money in the store.

Mon Valley-Opoly was also hitting Charleroi businesses during Small Businesses Saturday, including the bustling Prima Diva Boutique and Perked Up Cafe. The board game from the Mon Valley Alliance features familiar community attractions and is available at local businesses and online for $25 at monvalleyalliance.org.

Perked Up owner Casey Clark said business had been surprisingly steady throughout the day.