COLUMBIA — Shoppers in Columbia took to major retailers Friday in search of Black Friday deals, and The District is hoping to boost traffic to local businesses this weekend, too.
The Saturday after Thanksgiving is known nationally as Small Business Saturday. American Express founded the occasion in 2010, and the U.S. Small Business Administration became a co-sponsor the next year.
The District, which encompasses Columbia’s downtown area, is asking people to shop and dine in locally owned small businesses on Saturday.
Joe Chevalier, owner of Yellow Dog Bookshop, which is located on Ninth Street, said he’s hoping for about double a normal Saturday. However, he’s nervous about weather predictions.
“Last year it snowed and it kept a lot of people home,” Chevalier said.
KOMU 8 First Alert Weather is anticipating patchy slushy or slick spots in mid-Missouri Saturday morning. A First Alert Weather Day has been issued due to the possible travel impacts. However, major impacts are not expected in Columbia.
Chevalier emphasized the importance of Columbia’s local business community.
“I really love that Columbia is supporting Small Business Saturday as an event, because one of the things that makes Columbia special is all the local businesses, especially downtown,” Chevalier said.
Paula McFarling, co-owner of Bluestem Missouri Crafts, said the fine arts store brought in many new items to prepare for the day.
“We start preparing in July, asking our artists to make new things to show off their skill set for the holiday,” McFarling said. “We have a large selection of ornaments made around the United States, but most of the things in the store are made right here in Missouri.”
She described Small Business Saturday as one of Bluestem’s biggest days of the year, helping compensate for slower summer months.
“For us, it’s wonderful to see people come downtown and have the store full with local people and guests that are here for Thanksgiving to come to the store,” McFarling said. “We love seeing all the people, answering their questions and showing off our stuff.”
Some Black Friday shoppers also said they’re considering shopping on Small Business Saturday.
Natalie Gehlert, who was shopping at Home Goods on Friday, said she picked up a couple of candles and a blanket. She said she planned to continue shopping at Old Navy and mall stores and that she will probably go shopping downtown Saturday to support local businesses.
Donya Arramanesh, another Home Goods shopper, said she’s considering shopping at small businesses on Saturday.
