Local Merchants Ready For Weekend Holiday Shoppers

While crowds of shoppers are sure to head out to big retailers for Black Friday sales, Sewickley store owners say they are feeling enthusiastic as they head into the holiday shopping season.

Black Friday is known to attract shoppers who flock to big box and chain stores, but there is also the second Small Business Saturday, which originated last year to focus attention on the little guy and regain a portion of shoppers who support local business.

on Beaver Street plans to offer specials for both, and Cathy Susko, manager, said the store—open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday and Saturday—has been receiving lots of feedback from customers about the upcoming sales.

“We find that a lot of people who come into the store are local Sewickley-area people and Moon Township—from sort of the extended Sewickley Valley area,” Susko said.  

On Friday, the earlier customers shop the better because the sliding-scale discounts will be based on arrival time. Door busters promoting 40 percent off yarn will also run from 10 a.m. to noon.

On Saturday, customers can enjoy 20 percent off select items. The store’s blog and social media sites keep customers up to date with store promotions and new merchandise.

Studies have shown shopping at locally-owned businesses has a greater economic impact on a community than shopping at big box or chain stores.

A Study of Retail Economics in Chicago found that spending $100 at a locally owned store produces $68 in additional local economic impact, while doing the same at a chain store produces $43 in local impact.

In addition to finding great deals, Ellen Hitchins, manager at , said many customers find one of the perks to shopping at the stylish home store is avoiding the crazy crowds.

“It’s kind of calm here, and we can give them a little more attention than they get at the mall,” Hitchins said.

Cuttings is open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday and from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday. Hitchins said local families with out-of-town visitors often will stop in, something Yarns Unlimited has noticed, too.

“People have family and friends visiting for the holidays who might be knitters, so they’ll bring out-of-town relatives,” said Susko. She said she expects she'll see more people shopping for knitters or looking for last-minute gift ideas this weekend.

That’s why Robin Hays, co-owner of , said she likes the message behind Small Business Saturday, an initiative that comes from American Express. While her toy store isn’t planning anything extreme like extending hours until midnight, she is  planning sales, such as 20 percent off on Zoobie stuffed animals resembling Pillow Pets that come with a blanket. The store is open 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Friday and until 5 p.m. Saturday.

Hays said the American Express has been running a number of television commercials promoting the day, which she appreciates.

She’s noticed more people are talking about the day this year, and she hopes customers will take advantage of it.

“Hopefully it’ll be a good weekend for everyone,” Hays said.