Shopping in the city Washington to hold ‘Small Business Saturday’ Nov. 28
Angela Burgess, co-owner of Washington Winery, is shown in the store she operates with her husband, John.
Small Business Saturday is coming to Washington.
On Nov. 28, for the first time, the city will be joining municipalities, strip centers, malls and business districts across the country for what Wikipedia describes as “an American shopping holiday.” It will be part of the kickoff to the traditional holiday retail season, one of three coast-to-coast shopping-fests in four days.
“We want to bring people downtown and keep them here,” said Angela Burgess, head of the Washington Business District Authority’s promotions committee.
The authority is organizing the local event and, as of Friday afternoon, had attracted 14 participating downtown businesses: A&M Wine & Beer Supplies, Bradford House, Buy & Sell Outlet, Chicco Baccello, David’s Limited, Inner Artist, LA Sweets, Mr. Gyro, Main St. Hot Dogs, Popcorn Willy, Star Eclectics, Stereo Outlet, Upper Crust and Washington Winery.
Burgess and her husband, John, own the two alcohol-related operations, which are housed in the same building at the intersection of South Main and East Maiden streets.
All 11 participants are within about a half-mile radius, and all 11 are offering either a sale or a promotion to customers – a requirement. Each will be open Nov. 28 during its normal Saturday hours, more or less. Owner Nancy Ogburn said Chicco Baccello, in operation from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturdays, may extend the time if other merchants are open later.
Small Business Saturday was a 2010 creation of American Express, intended to heighten national awareness of local small businesses. It follows Black Friday and precedes Cyber Monday. Sunday, the shoppers will rest. Maybe.
Actually, the shopping season essentially begins on Thanksgiving now. Some big-box retailers start Black Friday on Turkey Day.
Nothing about Small Business Saturday is small but the size of the businesses, and Washington is entering the fray. The city’s inclusion could be a boost to a downtown area showing indications that it is on the rise.
Mayor Brenda Davis has endorsed Washington’s participation, signing a Revolutionary-era type proclamation — replete with the city seal. It says, in part: “I urge all citizens to patronize of our SMALL BUSINESSES, which will undoubtedly extend genuine recognition to each and every SMALL BUSINESS Owner — this honor and respect they so deserve.”
Burgess said the authority is still recruiting businesses to participate. Interested parties can register by calling 724-229-7207 or sending an email to wbda@live.com. The business name, type of sale/promotion, email address and Facebook page name should be provided.
The business district authority is asking participants to promote Small Business Saturday on their Facebook pages, Twitter feeds, websites, newsletters and other forms of communication, and by hanging a flier in their businesses.
For more information, visit facebook.com/events/1500776653582579; call 724-229-7207; or email wbda@live.com.