Big-box stores and shopping centers can get your attention with flashy Black Friday ads and sales. But local, independent retailers hope to appeal to your sense of community with Small Business Saturday.
Bart Smith with the Roanoke Regional Small Business Development Center says spending your money at locally-owned businesses makes a bigger impact in the community. "Small, independent retails return more than three times as much money per dollar of sales back into the local economy than do large chain competitors," Smith told reporters and business advocates.
Eli's Provisions in downtown Roanoke is one example in action. The shop sells a large variety of regionally produced items, according to Heather Von Presying. She says the Small Business Saturday campaign kicks off a vital shopping season for her business. "That is our season for sure. Through the off-season we rely on the residents downtown and the people who live downtown. But with people who come to this area for holidays and then the hotels and things, we do see a significant increase in business."
If you’re not interested in shopping, advocates say you can always grab a meal or drink at a locally owned restaurant.
This will be the eighth year for the Small Business Saturday promotion.
