Jill Agusta, of Connors Mercantile, discusses Small Business Saturday
Jill Agusta, store manager of Connors Mercantile in Corning, talks about the importance of Small Business Saturday.
Unless you are one of those efficient people who has already been picking up Christmas gifts for the last several months, the holiday shopping season is just getting underway.
And if you are heading out to start crossing items off your shopping list, retailers and business leaders have one simple request — remember to shop local.
Big Box chain outlets such as Walmart, Target, and other retail giants will be plenty busy over the next month, but local businesses also want to feel the love — and see the cash.
“Supporting our local businesses is the foundation of a strong, vibrant community,” said Jennifer Herrick-McGonigal, president of the Chemung County Chamber of Commerce. “When we shop locally, we’re not only helping our neighbors, but we’re also investing in the growth of our local economy.”
To help encourage shoppers to patronize local businesses, several special promotions are in the works:
- Black Friday and Small Business Saturday: Hosted by the Pine City Post, 1445 Pennsylvania Ave. in Pine City, the two-day event will feature a 10% discount on every item in the gift and thrift shop. Hours are 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday, Nov. 29 and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday. For more information, call 607-857-9924.
- 360 Small Business Saturday Market: Hosted by 360Aurora, a multipurpose event venue at 360 E. 14th St. in Elmira Heights. The event will feature more than 20 vendors offering everything from craft items to locally-sourced coffees. For more information, call 607-333-4764.
- Small Business Saturday Handmade Market: Hosted by Chamberlain Acres Garden Center & Florist, 824 Broadway in Southport. The handmade market, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 30, will feature local artists and craft vendors. For additional information, call 607-737-1313.
“Every purchase made at a small business creates jobs, fosters innovation, and ensures that our unique character and values continue to thrive,” Herrick-McGonigal said. “It’s a direct way to make a positive impact on the place we all call home.”
Follow Jeff Murray on Twitter @SGJeffMurray. To get unlimited access to the latest news, please subscribe or activate your digital account today.