By Lori Pelersi
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| Personalizing the personal touch: Rolf's Pork Store adds their name to the Shop Small bags distributed for Small Business Saturday, November 29. |
We don't need an excuse to shop local -- but if you're looking for one, you found it this past week.
Celebrated November 29, Small Business Saturday is a national event, sponsored by American Express, aimed at driving business into local and independent businesses the weekend after Thanksgiving. Started in 2010, it has quickly become one of the busiest shopping days of the year, taking its place alongside Black Friday and Cyber Monday.
This year, Central Avenue merchants joined the droves of businesses looking to boost sales by banding together and pushing the "Shop Local" message. American Express distributed canvas shopping bags, doormats, door decals, and even pet bandanas to participating businesses, who made the materials, and the day, their own.
At Rolf's Pork Store, staff imprinted their own name on the canvas shopping bags and spent the day bagging up sausages, cold cuts, and imported European chocolates for customers. Center Square Wine and Spirits also had a busy day, selling eggnog supplies and cheer.
Other local shops that participated in Small Business Saturday include Blue Note Record Shop, Central Florist, Center Square Wine and Spirits, Danker Florist, Earthworld Comics, Honest Weight Food Co-op, Morris Mens Shop, and One-Eleven Boutique.
All of these stores offer great presents to give any loved one for the holiday season, whether it is a rare record, a comic book, or a beautiful wreath for the door. Small Business Saturday reminds people to shop small around the holidays at local retail stores.
