Shop local this Saturday
JACKSON, Tenn. — With so many people taking advantage of deals at big box stores this Black Friday, what about shopping local? Well November 28th marks the start of Small Business Saturday and dozens of locally owned stores here in Jackson want you to know they’ll open for business. “We have more fun than any of the big box stores,” Valarie Johnston a worker at Marilyn Jackson’s gifts said. “It’s an experience to come in here.”> Small businesses are unique but on day’s like Black Friday when “big box” stores are king they’re often forgotten. “Those are obviously more commercialized so people flock to those first and they advertise themselves,” local shopper Brittney Darby said. “But really when you go into the small businesses they have better deals and better quality products.” That’s why they’ve created their own day, Small Business Saturday, designed with a more personal touch. “I get to see all my friends and meet new friends,” Johnston said. “You really get to know all of your customers and see the results of what you sold them.” With special deals of their own like free gift wrapping and refreshments, it’s a lot less hectic than your typical Black Friday madness. “It’s less busy,” Darby said. “We love supporting Jackson’s small businesses because they’re our friends they go to our church and our schools.” With dozens of small businesses here in Jackson it’s all money that ends up staying local. “If you leave your dollars here in Jackson the merchants and the stores can give back to the city which makes the city strive,” Johnston said. According to the small business association more than $14 billion were spent during small business Saturday last year.
