On Small Business Saturday many area business owners attribute much of their success to their location. Whether it’s the Centre Region as a whole or a quaint little town square, these shop owners say it’s the people and community that will show support on Nov. 30.
Duncan Crane, co-owner of Crystal Cave on Calder Way in downtown State College, says his store just opened over the summer, so this will be his first Small Business Saturday.
“I don’t really know what to expect,” he says, explaining the potential competition from Nittany Mall and various large retail stores. “I really hope there’s a small business community out there.”
Crane says his jewelry store, in which customers can make their own jewelry using beads, precious stones and other materials, will offer a buy-one (or two), get-one free deal on Nov. 30. Small Business Saturday hours at the store, located near India Pavilion, will be no different than regular hours: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Crane says what may especially help attract shoppers to his store during the holiday season is its focus on customized jewelry.
“Everything we do is geared towards what you want,” he says.
The holidays, he says, are a great time to design an item for a loved one that is unique and not available anywhere else.
Your Perfect Fit, a boutique that specializes in bra fitting, will celebrate its seventh holiday season this year, says owner Debbie Stachowski. Located on the Diamond in historic Boalsburg, Your Perfect Fit will offer 40 to 60 percent off selected items on Small Business Saturday. Saturday store hours will be from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
“We always offer extended hours by appointment,” Stachowski says.
In honor of Small Business Saturday, Stachowski says the whole town put together a flyer that lists all of the boutiques and what they are offering on Nov. 30.
“Every boutique has something a little different and that’s what makes it unique,” she says.
Stachowski says what helps make Small Business Saturday so successful for her business and surrounding businesses is the whole town coming together.
“It’s always a great day for us,” Stachowski says. “Our customers do support small businesses.”
Carolyn Zimmerman, owner of The Wine Shop in Millheim, says although the business isn’t doing anything particular for Small Business Saturday, it does offer complimentary gift wrapping throughout the holiday season, as well as complimentary wine tasting.
Located on East Main Street, the shop sells wine from Shade Mountain Winery and Vineyards. Saturday hours are from 11:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The Wine Shop’s location is conducive to small businesses, Zimmerman says, because right around the corner are a variety of other small shops, centers and eateries, such as the Green Drake Gallery and Arts Center, Elk Creek Café, an outdoors store, a coffee shop and a jewelry store.
“We’re all within just a one-block radius,” she said. “It is a very unique little town.”
Steve Artz, owner of Gift Adventures at the corner of Beaver Avenue and Pugh Street, says the store has a special event planned in honor of Small Business Saturday.
Beginning at noon, artisan James Byrnes will create glasswork outside the store, including glass ornaments. Many of these ornaments can be personalized, Artz says.
Nov. 30’s event will also feature balloon sculptures, as well as collaboration with Sweet Tooth Bakery to provide tastings, he says.
“We’re looking forward to seeing a lot of people come down,” Artz said, explaining that he hopes customers also take the opportunity to see other downtown businesses.
“Hopefully we get a lot of support,” he says.
Rhett Walsh and Marc Tressler, owners of Pure Imagination Toys in Bellefonte, say Small Business Saturday has been successful for them over the years.
“Small Business Saturday brings along with it awareness,” they say. “It gets people thinking there’s more to life than Walmart. That’s always a good thing. In years past, customers have let us know that they are making a concerted effort to visit local businesses and that they appreciate the customer service and selection.”
“It’s a great promotion that puts small business in the spotlight,” they add.
The store, which opened in 2001, will keep its regular hours on Nov. 30, which are from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
“We offer discounts all weekend especially on larger, more expensive items,” Walsh and Tressler say. “We like to surprise our customers.”
The toy store, which offers a variety of toys, games, books, educational kits and other items, is located at 102 E. Bishop Street.
“I think this area is very supportive of certain small businesses,” Walsh and Tressler say. “Good customer service will always keep them coming back.”
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