Local Retailers Urge Shopping Small on Small Business Saturday

November 21, 2018 5:49 pm

By: Tim Studebaker

BRISTOL, R.I. (WLNE) – In the madness of holiday shopping, between Black Friday and Cyber Monday, “Small Business Saturday” serves as a reminder not to forget about local shops and restaurants as you check off your list.

US Small Business Administration District Director Mark S. Hayward says, “They’re the ones who support the Little League, who support the soccer leagues, who support the dance studios, who support your community.”

Hayward says the program has been around since 2010, and it’s been successful.

Hayward says, “$82–billion has been spent on Small Business Saturday in those first 8 years, and we’re seeing an increase in the last few years.”

The SBA says small businesses employ half of Rhode Island workers, and 69 cents of every dollar spent in a small business stays in the local community.

One of those small businesses is Caron Jewelers in Bristol. The shop has been a fixture there since 1956.

Caron Jewelers Co-Owner Joseph Caron says, “It’s been a really good kickoff for us. We don’t really do the Black Friday thing. That’s a big box store thing. But, that Saturday, we do a lot of business.”

The business they get on Small Business Saturday carries over to the rest of holiday season.

Caron says, “The past 5 years, we’ve been posting single to double digit gains every December, and Small Business Saturday has been the kickoff for that.”

His big selling point is service he says you won’t get at a big chain.

Caron says, “You’re going to deal with local merchants who are going to be there if you have an issue with whatever it is you bought.”

Small Business Saturday is this Saturday. To learn more and find local retailers, visit the program’s website here: https://www.sba.gov/about-sba/sba-initiatives/small-business-saturday