GRAND FORKS — Black Friday may be a national shopping phenomenon, but the day after Black Friday — Small Business Saturday — is grabbing attention in Greater Grand Forks.
This is the time of year Sonia Roberton of The Lighting Gallery sees a boost in sales and support.
“I think it has been brought to people’s attention how important it is to support small businesses,” she said. “Our sales on Small Business Saturday are higher than they are on Black Friday, and I do think that is a true testament of the people getting out and supporting (local businesses). Grand Forks is very good to the small business community.”
More than 36 million independent businesses nationwide celebrate the annual retail opportunity. Its impact is felt in Grand Forks, too, said Grand Forks-East Grand Forks Chamber President Barry Wilfahrt, who adds that it’s important to not overlook local businesses during the rush of holiday shopping.
Greater Grand Forks, he said, has “a thriving small business community. They really work hard to offer a unique variety of products that you won’t just find online or any other place. I would really encourage people to get out and check out what some of those small locally owned businesses have to offer.”
While The Lighting Gallery isn’t a boutique and deals primarily in gift card sales during Small Business Saturday, Roberton still sees the impact local shoppers bring. She sees Grand Forks as a place where a small business can succeed.
“We still get a really good response from the community. We get a lot of people that come out,” she said.
In North Dakota, the National Federation of Independent Business encourages customers to shop local in order to boost sales and the overall economy.
“North Dakota is strong and resilient, and so are our small business owners,” NFIB North Dakota State Director Don Larson said in a news release. “Show your appreciation for their independent spirit on Small Business Saturday and invest in the heart of our communities.”
Last year, according to the NFIB, shoppers spent an estimated $22 billion at locally owned businesses nationwide.
Sales numbers of that magnitude go a long way for businesses and the community in return. In Grand Forks, where local businesses have done well, the rise of online shopping appears to have slightly slowed, Wilfhart says. The consumer is returning to brick-and-mortar stores to see what there is to buy.
“People like to go in and see the merchandise before they actually buy it. So the trend has been moving toward shopping in these small and local businesses, like we have so many of here in Grand Forks,” he said.
Another factor in the Small Business Saturday’s local success is Canadian customers coming over the border to shop. While the Canadian dollar is not on par with the American dollar, there is still evidence, according to Wilfahrt, that Canadian shoppers play a big role in the local holiday season.
“It has always been a part of our bread and butter and, frankly, why Grand Forks from a retail perspective has more shopping options than most communities this size,” he said.
Digital Content Producer and Sports Reporter at the Grand Forks Herald since December of 2020. Maxwell can be contacted at mmarko@gfherald.com.
