SOUTH BEND, Ind. (WNDU) – Snow and all, the community started early for Small Business Saturday!
It’s a day people across the country participate in to celebrate and support the local economy.
“When you shop local and you shop small, you get the best results because they put their heart and soul in everything that they do,” said Dixon’s Specialty Popcorn Owner Michelle Dixon.
Michelle Dixon, owner of her own popcorn company relies on the community to keep her business afloat and hopefully make it her full-time gig.
Events like the holiday market at Howard Park help spread the word about local businesses like hers.
And on this Small Business Saturday, Downtown South Bend set up right next door, giving out swag, coupons and advice on how to best take advantage of the special local deals.
“It’s been really fun; people have been seeking us out like, ‘Where are the deals, we want the list of deals!’” said Senior Director of Events for downtown South Bend Kylie Carter.
Kylie Carter with DTSB says about 45% of money spent in local stores goes back to the local economy as opposed to about 14% at the chain stores.
And it’s not just about making money for the economy, it’s about building a stronger community.
“I’m getting to actually know my customers so when they’re getting to know me, I can actually explain better about my business so they’re not just coming to spend something I’m actually creating that relationship with them and then that actually help us in the long run because now they trust me, and they trust my products,” said The Urban Essence Owner Adrian Wells.
And just because it’s small business Saturday doesn’t mean you have to stop supporting the local economy afterwards, and that goes far beyond just shopping, as you can see. Local experiences like ice skating at Howard Park, go a long way in supporting the community.
That includes activities like going out to eat at a family-owned restaurant or taking a local painting class.
“I feel like I’m really helping with making people more aware of the possibilities and what you can achieve,” said Watercolor with Cheryl Leader at Howard Park Cheryl Brezinski. “They don’t have to go online and look for YouTube things because I’m right here, I’m hands on.”
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