SIDNEY — The recent cooler temperatures may be an indicator that the holiday season is upon us, but it’s certainly not the only one. Following a day of family, feasting and football on Thursday, the infamous Black Friday, culminating the unrelenting corporate advertising by major retailers, will be unleashed upon the public.
Communities throughout Shelby and Auglaize counties will join others from across the nation in the locally-focused Small Business Saturday shopping spree. The idea is to support the area businesses that are part of everyday life at home, according to local officials.
Varied opinions are held regarding Black Friday shopping practices, but the national day-after movement continues to grow. Small Business Saturday brings a more tamer approach to the frenzied nabbing of sale items dangled before shoppers, organizers claim.
In 2010, American Express sponsored the first Small Business Saturday program to celebrate every year on the Saturday after Thanksgiving. According to a 2015 Small Business Saturday Consumer Insights Survey, reportedly more than 95 million consumers shopped at small businesses including restaurants, retailers, etc. That represented an 8 percent increase from 2014.
Also in 2015, consumers spent $16.2 billion, an increase of 14 percent from $14.3 billion in 2014.
Jeff Raible, president of the Sidney-Shelby County Chamber of Commerce, in a prepared statement, said, “These establishments are an important element woven into the very fabric of our community and deserving of our recognition all year long.”
Amy Breinich, director of the Downtown Sidney Business Association, told of several local businesses participating in the special shopping day.
“I do know that in the downtown, most of our businesses will be participating. More specifically, Ron and Nita’s, Scrubs Store, Threads, From the Barn Gifts, Silver Linings Booktique and the Ivy Garland will have Shop Small reusable shopping bags and other items that day.
“Our restaurants have gift cards that make fantastic gifts for the holidays as well. While we represent the small businesses in the downtown area, our hope is that our community will show all our small businesses throughout Sidney and Shelby County some ‘shop small love’ on Nov. 26.”
In Auglaize County, Marritt’s Art of Design of Minster will be holding their holiday open house at the same time. The shop offers a variety of items with antiques, collectibles and interior design, according to owner Doug Marritt.
The event is a celebration concluding their first year in business, located at 72 N. Main St. Marritt will be offering a 20 percent discount on all purchases totaling $20 or more. A door prize drawing of a vintage German anniversary clock will be held.
