Although some holiday shoppers have big plans, sometimes the best plans start by thinking — and shopping — small.
Created by American Express in 2010 during the midst of the so-called “Great Recession,” Small Business Saturday is always two days after Thanksgiving. For many, Small Business Saturday is a counterpoint to crowds clamoring for big-box doorbusters on Black Friday. It is also a counterpoint to the uncertainties of unseen or sold-out merchandise and dicey delivery dates occasionally encountered with online shopping.
“The Saturday after Thanksgiving is Small Business Saturday — a day to celebrate and support small businesses and all they do for their communities,” said Kona Stories owners Brenda McConnell and Joy Vogelgesang. “You might not realize it, but every time you buy something from a local store of any kind you’re making a difference in your community.
“Local businesses give back to the community in hundreds of ways — tangible and intangible making us a unique and wonderful place to live,” the two said.
The book store is marking 15 years in operation, opening in November 2006 in Kealakekua before moving to the Keauhou Shopping Center a decade ago. In celebration, McConnell and Vogelgesang will offer each customer a sweet treat on Small Business Saturday.
The Kamuela Philharmonic Orchestra will provide entertainment for Small Business Saturday during the shopping center’s “Slow Love. Shop Small” event. The Kona Brass Quintet will perform from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. followed by the KPOS Mixed Ensemble from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m.
“We are proud to be home to many small businesses that help keep our community thriving,” said Colene DeMello, general manager at Keauhou Shopping Center. “Through our ‘Show Love. Shop Small’ event, guests can show their support for local businesses starting on Small Business Saturday and continuing throughout the entire holiday shopping season.”
Tracie Yoshimoto owns The Most Irresistible Shop in Hilo and hopes more local customers will seek out small businesses for their holiday shopping.
“Last year was a challenge, and this year seems to be a different kind of challenge,” Yoshimoto said. “People tend to shop online, but when you go out and support a small business, you are getting unique customer service as well as products you can’t find in other places.”
The pandemic that brought long lines and socially distanced store floors last year has had a lingering effect this year with labor shortages and supply-chain issues.
“Just having survived through last year and now dealing with new challenges has been an interesting time for small businesses,” Yoshimoto said. “Having any support is much needed and local support is even greater.”
If more people shop locally and shop small, then businesses have a better chance at surviving — even thriving — according to Yoshimoto.
“If we don’t support each other then eventually small businesses won’t be here and that’s what makes the community unique,” Yoshimoto said. “The more money people spend at local businesses just recirculates locally.”
Mishi Chauberg owns Wild HeArtist and Nector Cafe in downtown Hilo and thinks more people should shop at small businesses to help their neighbors.
The shop and cafe support food, artwork and other wares from over 140 local vendors, so if someone decides to buy something, they are supporting one of those families, said Chauberg.
“Shopping locally has an even larger impact than some may realize,” Chauberg said. “When locals are the ones making money and they decide to support small businesses, then everything piles up and circles back into the community.”
Chauberg hopes more residents come downtown for their holiday shopping so they can help local vendors and the local economy.
“There are amazing places to go downtown and every little bit helps local artists,” Chauberg said. “We’re a small island, so if you feed the community it eventually comes back to you.”
With the holidays coming up, Chauberg thinks shopping locally could help people find unique gifts for friends and family.
“There are so many talented people making artwork and creating things that are so special,” Chauberg said. “You can always find something that you would not find anywhere else, so why go anywhere else?”
If you’re ready for holiday shopping, many local shops will be participating in Small Business Saturday after the Thanksgiving holiday.
This weekend, the Firehouse Gallery in Waimea will be showcasing the annual Waimea Arts Council’s Founder’s Show from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. today through Sunday.
Gifts such as original paintings, photographs, hand-carved wood sculpture, original metal work, original glass work and other hand-made items will be available to shoppers.
Email Kelsey Walling at kwalling@hawaiitribune-herald.com
