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Sandwiched between Black Friday and Cyber Monday, the national movement was designed to promote the mom-and-pop shops of America.
The result? Several downtown Olympia stores abuzz with shoppers who were snapping up everything from one-of-a-kind pieces of art to bacon-flavored candy canes.
“Yesterday was actually my best Friday after (Thanksgiving) in this location,’ said Janis Dean, owner of Popinjay, a gift and accessories shop that has been an Olympia fixture for 34 years. “Today looks as if it’s going to beat it.”
Small Business Saturday, in its second year, was initiated by American Express.
According to the U.S. Small Business Administration, there were nearly 28 million small businesses in the country last year.
And for every $100 spent in a locally owned independent shop, $68 returns to a community in taxes, payroll and other expenditures, according to The 3/50 Project, a small-business advocacy group.
Archibald Sisters, a gift boutique on Capitol Way South in Olympia, has seen an uptick in customers the past two years on Small Business Saturday, according to manager Jen Leonard.
“It’s been wonderful,” she said. “We appreciate everyone shopping local and coming downtown. … It goes right back into your community.”
Lin Boulay of Shelton carried bags from a variety of shops in her arms. By early afternoon, she had purchased several Christmas presents – and something for herself, too.
“I do not do Black Friday,” she said. “I’d rather pay a little more and have a little breathing space when I shop.”
Shauna Roberts of Lincoln, Calif., who is in the area to visit her in-laws for Thanksgiving, said she wanted to avoid shopping at the mall.
“I love shopping the little local shops versus the big retailers,” she said. “I like supporting local businesses. … It feels more personalized.”
Theresa Anderson, owner of Pizzazz, said her shop experienced a higher level of walk-in traffic than it had in a while.
But she hopes more people will begin to shop small businesses year-round.
Anderson said several downtown retailers, including her own store, are having a tough time surviving because of the bad economy.
Pizzazz features Washington-made specialty foods and gourmet gift baskets, and has been on Washington Street Southeast in Olympia for almost 20 years.
Anderson said that over the past few years, she’s had to let employees go and trim business hours, and now she’s earning a degree in the medical industry in case she needs a new career.
“We need it to not just be this Saturday,” Anderson said. “We need every day that they can come down here. We’re not just here for Christmas.”
Lisa Pemberton: 360-754-5433
lpemberton@theolympian.com
