TEXARKANA, Texas (KTAL/KMSS) — While there tends to be a rush on Black Friday deals at the big retailers, Saturday is for the small businesses. Small Business Saturday is a nationwide initiative that encourages holiday shoppers to support the local business in their communities.
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“I think a locally owned business is the way to go. That’s what I’ve been shopping for years myself personally. I like the fact that the money stays here in Texarkana. We’re supporting the town.” says Debbie Nicholas, owner of the Gallery at 1894.
Some owners say they have noticed consumers tightening their wallets this year.
“People tend to be buying smaller gifts. So a little bit on the lower cost side, but we’ve got lots of those for shopping.” says Nicholas.
In Downtown Texarkana there is optimism that overall things are moving in the right direction.
“Last year we were kind of slow, but this year we actually picked up. I guess more and more people are coming downtown because there’s more stuff to do downtown. So little by little more people are starting to pull in.” says David Loera, owner of Diecast Syndicate and Quick Fits.
The local business owners are just hoping that this season shoppers leave room in their budgets for them, because they say it can benefit everyone.
“I don’t have an online presence like an online store. I don’t have things like marketing or billboards or anything like that.” says Michelle Forgy, owner of The Crafty Nook, “I’m here to help build our community, and stay within our community.”
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