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HUNTINGTON – Sonia Chambers of Huntington says local shopping at Small Business Saturday has become a family tradition since its debut in 2010.
"We have family out of town and out of the country, so today we are touring as many small businesses in the region as we can," she said. Saturday.
Chambers said she and her family had started at Sip Wine and Whiskey Bar for brunch before going to other stores located at Heritage Station.
"Huntington has great local businesses and restaurants, and it's so important to support them," said Chambers. "Without the support of the community, these companies would not be here."
Despite the cold and rainy conditions, many people have been spotted shopping and eating in many small downtown stores.
"I love shopping on Saturday in the small business, so a little rain will not prevent me," said Mary Johnson, of Huntington, who was coming out of Glenn's Sporting Goods in the US. 1000 block from 3rd Avenue. "I want to support small businesses in my community as much as possible."
Heritage Station's Red Caboose has launched its holiday shopping season with its small-scale Saturday craft market.
"We have our Artisan Market and several big sales here," said Raine Klover, Red Caboose Manager.
Red Caboose is one of Huntington's premier craftsmen and gift shops specializing in locally made craft products. At the event, buyers were able to meet local artisans, win hand-crafted prizes and buy local interest books, specialty food products, home items and works of art. # 39; unique art.
"We drew a lot of people and the morning was excellent," said Klover. "Buying from a local artist is an incredible thing for the client and for the artist."
In addition to Red Caboose, Heritage Station customers were looking for handmade pottery and other handmade gifts at Full Circle Ceramic, while Tony the Tailor offered custom and luxury men's clothing and Birds of a Feather , a women's shop, offered special offers. Others have taken advantage of the many dining options offered to small businesses on Saturdays at venues such as Moonlight Cookies and The Market.
Small Business Saturday began helping the American consumer "connect" their purchases with the well-being of their community. It was created to raise awareness of the importance of small businesses and the event falls each year on the first Saturday after Thanksgiving.
"Small businesses have made communities unique and unique," said Debra Martin, Acting Director of the West Virginia Small Business Development Center (WVSBDC). "As a consumer, you help small businesses prosper."
Martin explains that small businesses contribute to the economic vitality of their local communities.
"In West Virginia, 98% of businesses in this state are small," she said. "These small businesses employ nearly 50% of the state's private workforce."
For some small retail businesses, the holidays in November and December account for up to 30% of their annual sales, Martin added.
"Local purchases keep more dollars in the community," said Martin. "On $ 100, for example, about $ 68 remains local if it is spent with a small local business, compared with only $ 48 with a national channel."
Huntington Area customers were encouraged to share their small business shopping experiences on social media using the #ShopSmall and #MyHuntington hashtags to introduce Huntington's business world.
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