Small Business Saturday keeps focus local

Let’s turn away from the Target and Wal-Mart ads for a second.

Small Business Saturday on Nov. 29 marks the fifth anniversary of the American Express initiative, which seeks to encourage customers to explore small businesses for their holiday shopping.

“Small Business Saturday is a day people can come in and support not only small-business owners but locals in the community as well,” said Molly Gaddy-Walters, owner of Artifact in Town Square. “It’s becoming more of a tradition with shoppers and I’m hoping this year is even bigger.”

On Small Business Saturday, Artifact, which features repurposed and upcycled home furnishings along with clothing and other items, will host a block party complete with refreshments, face painting, balloon animals and a bake sale hosted by Palo Verde High School’s marching band.

“We’re having an old school, back-to-basics party,” she said. “I’ll also be adding several new local artists, offering in-store promotions and providing free gift wrapping and local deliveries in preparation for the holiday shopping season.”

Gaddy-Walters said Small Business Saturday has grown during the past three years she’s been in business.

“Consumers are becoming more in tune that there time and buying choices are valuable,” she said. “Small businesses offer more authentic choices and they’re supporting the local community at the same time.”

Elisha Stavropoulos, account coordinator at M Booth, a global digital communications agency, said American Express also created the Neighborhood Champions program to inspire communities to participate in Small Business Saturday celebrations.

“To become part of the program, prospective Neighborhood Champions are required to share their plans to bring together at least 10 businesses in their community to recognize the day and commit to serve as ambassadors, encouraging friends and family to shop small,” she said.

In Nevada, there are nine registered Neighborhood Champions, including three in Las Vegas. Stavropoulos said two of them are Artifact and Well Rounded Momma, a pregnancy care center at 8826 S. Eastern Ave.

At Downtown Container Park, Kappa Toys has been offering an array of toys such as Etch-a-Sketch, Slinkys and other classics since it debuted in August.

Owner and Toy Curator Lizzy Newsome said the store has been increasing its toy selection to offer something for all ages.

“We carry designer items from Japan, and nostalgic favorites that captivate the young and old,” she said.

Newsome said Small Business Saturday’s message has been steadily increasing since its inception.

“It’s a wonderful tradition and a great response to the Black Friday hype,” she said. “It gives consumers a chance to focus on finding unique items to purchase and encourages them to explore small businesses that they may overlook during their weekly errands.”

Danny White, partner and lead designer at Jeff White Custom Jewelry in Tivoli Village, said Small Business Saturday helps attract new customers.

“It’s a shot in the arm for local businesses,” White said. “It gets people excited to shop at small businesses.”

Throughout the year, White said, he turns to print and social media as well referrals to get the word out about the jewelry store.

“The jewelry business tends to be trust-based, so word-of-mouth is huge for us,” he said. “Being in Tivoli Village helps because it’s a great place to come to work and it’s convenient for our customers.”

White said that despite the difficulty competing with big-box retailers during the holidays, his store is offering specials, custom orders and adding new jewelry designers.

“We give our customers the attention they need,” he said. “Small businesses are all about personal attention.”