Valley residents shop small to provide big help to small businesses

CLOVIS, Calif. (KFSN) — Christmas themed carriage rides made Old Town Clovis feel like a winter wonderland on Saturday.

Shoppers filled the streets, looking for those special holiday deals.

“Everyone’s antique shopping right here in Clovis, which is great. The weather is great, the venues are amazing,” shopper Heather Martinez said.

Martinez was one of several shoppers scoring a one-of-a-kind find.

“How beautiful is that, you can’t get that anywhere else,” she said showing off her purchase.

Martinez didn’t have the intention to go antique shopping on Small Business Saturday but unique items made all the difference as she browsed the area.

“I’ve always been here my entire life. This is my area, of course I’m going to support small businesses, that’s how it’s supposed to be,” Martinez said.

One of those businesses offering a specialty shopping experiences is Frost Oak Creek Creations.

Tom Frost is a long-time business owner, he looks forward to the influx of business during days like Small Business Saturday.

“I would say the holiday season is about a third of your business for the year, you know. Like they say, Black Friday and all that. It just really starts picking up dramatically and stays pretty busy right through Christmas,” Frost said.

Frost says his business offers hard to find items, like Charlie Bears and holiday decor.

Folks weren’t just shopping small in Clovis.

In central Fresno at Manchester Mall, other merchants say you could be making a life changing difference by supporting local.

“Big box store, you’re just another number but you might be paying for someone’s meal if you’re buying from a small business,” said Lani, owner of Shake & Sip Lemonade Stand.

While Small Business Saturday is a day promoted to come out and shop in the community, local businesses say they appreciate all foot traffic year-round.

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