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Shop small, make a difference
SIKESTON — As shoppers are in search for gifts this Black Friday weekend, they’re being asked to shop local not only this Saturday but also this holiday season and all year long to make an impact in their communities.
The Sikeston Regional Chamber, Sikeston Convention and Visitors Bureau and Historic Downtown Sikeston are working together to promote Small Business Saturday and shop local for the holidays. “Many small businesses depend on the holiday shopping season to support their business and employees for the year. They need our support now more than ever,” said Kathy Medley, executive vice president of Sikeston Regional Chamber & Economic Development.
The CVB is promoting shop local through advertising and social media sites, Medley said.
“While Small Business Saturday is this Saturday, we’re looking at shopping small all season long and all year long,” said Marcie Lawson, executive director of Sikeston Regional Chamber.
Small Business Saturday is a day dedicated to supporting small businesses and communities across the country. Founded by American Express in 2010, this day is celebrated each year on the Saturday after Thanksgiving. Most local businesses are offering extended hours Friday and Saturday and throughout the holiday shopping season, Lawson said.
“Shopping small shouldn’t only be about sales and this Saturday only. It should be about taking care of our community and our small businesses who are the heartbeat of the community,” Lawson said.
In fact, small businesses make up 85 percent of the Chamber’s members, she said.
“You can find a gift for anyone on your list, and that’s what’s so cool about our locally owned businesses,” Lawson said, adding gift cards to small businesses are also great gift ideas.
Lawson said she and Jason Davis, executive director of Historic Downtown Sikeston, have been working together to compile a list of local businesses which will be posted on the Chamber’s website.
“If we want our businesses to stay here, we have to shop local. Their business names are on the back of Little League shirts. If we want things like that to continue, we have to shop local,” Lawson said.
Obviously, Lawson said, this has been a very difficult year for small businesses owners.
“It’s a tight year, and at some point, businesses won’t be able to succeed if we don’t help support them. We have to take care of our own,” Lawson said.
In fact, 62% of U.S. small businesses reported that they need to see consumer spending return to pre-COVID levels by the end of 2020 in order to stay in business, according to an estimate from data on businesses with under 100 employees as reported in the Amex-commissioned 2018 Small Business Economic Impact Study.
Davis said Small Business Saturday is more important than ever for local small businesses.
“Many of them are fighting tooth and nail to stay open for business while still being able to support their families,” the Historic Downtown Sikeston executive director said. “I just want to encourage everyone to do everything they can to shop local, support small business and be an encouragement to our local merchants.”
Lawson said small business owners have stepped up during these challenging times.
“I am so proud of them,” she said. “The quality customer service you can get at local business doesn’t compare to any giant retailer or online store.”
“Our local businesses are willing to do business by appointments and offering curbside delivery. They’re going the extra mile to accommodate customers,” Lawson said.
Taking extra precautions like wearing face masks, social distancing, using hand sanitizer frequently and shopping during off-peak hours can keep shoppers safe as well as businesses and their employees, Lawson said.
“If we want our businesses to stay open, we should do them the courtesy of shopping safely as well, and I’m going to wear a mask because I am not going to expose myself to them or them to me,” Lawson said.
Jim Gooch, owner of Feeders Pet and Supply in Sikeston, said small businesses can offer a personal touch and product knowledge shoppers won’t receive at big box stores or online.
“We have people here who know the products and they’re able to show them how to use these products,” Gooch said.
From pets including guinea pigs, rabbits, hamsters, gerbils, reptiles, birds, parakeets, finches, tropical fish and all of their supplies to feed, fertilizer, chemicals and archery supplies, including compound bows and crossbows, Gooch said his store offers a wide range of items for many wish lists.
“I’d just like to remind people to shop locally, especially this year in this pandemic year because a lot of the local businesses are struggling just because of the restrictions placed on them and the fact a lot of people don’t want to get out, and a lot are shopping (elsewhere) online more these days,” Gooch said. “That’s going to hurt the local business for us. If the patrons could support the local businesses and help them get through the pandemic, that will really help.”
Gooch said for those who don’t want to get out, they can call local businesses to place orders and arrange pickup or delivery.
“If for instance, they need dog food, they can pay for it over the phone by credit card and we’ll deliver right to their front door,” Gooch said. “That would apply to just about anything we have in the store – whether it’s pet supplies or archery or feed fertilizer and chemicals.”
Many retailers are staying open later and offering specials this weekend. For example, Feeders is extending its hours and offering specials of up to 50% off many items this weekend, Gooch said.
“We’ve got a new addition – the bargain center – with vintage items and used items and just about anything you can find,” Gooch said.
J&E Wholesale Outlet in Sikeston is another example of a small business offering specials this weekend with new merchandise arriving weekly. Home appliances like name brand coffee makers, air fryer ovens and mixers as well as toys and coats for all ages are among the current hot items for sale.
“Shopping local keeps your money where you live,” said Ellie Collom, owner of J&E Wholesale Outlet in Sikeston. “It supports your friends and neighbors with jobs. Most importantly, our businesses donate to our local area charities. With shopping local, you are also creating a prosperous community where your heart resides.”
To see a list of small businesses in the Sikeston area, visit the Sikeston Regional Chamber’s website at www.sikeston.net.