GRAND RAPIDS, Mich.–It’s an American Shopping holiday. Every year thousands support their local businesses on the Saturday after Thanksgiving.
Margy Jones, co-owner of Paper Plus in Gaslight Village is proving that after 37 years of business her store has staying power.
“We have been here longer than any other business under the same owner,” Jones said. “The banks have changed, the grocery store has changed–but, we’ve been here.”
Margy said big time shopping days, like Black Friday, do little to bring in business.
“We’re not a big box store,”She said. “We don’t have the buying power to be able to give people huge discounts on anything.”
However, Small Business Saturday, makes up for it.
“We’ll get lots of people this weekend because they’re in town visiting their families.”
One of the perks of going to a small business is that shoppers can find items that can’t be found anywhere else.
Paper Plus has collectibles, like hand blown glass, that can only be found in Detroit. The store also has jewelry, picture frames, candles and home decor.
Also in Gaslight Village is Lole, which carries a variety of clothing and winter attire.
Jill Bromley is the manager. She said that while there are only six stores in the United States, they’re doing what they can to stay competitive.
“Right now, we are continuing to run the promotion $50 off if you bring in a gently used coat to donate you get $50 off a coat,” she said. “We have several of our items 30 and 40 percent off.”
According to the U.S. Small Business Association, nearly half of all shoppers spent nearly $5.7 billion at small shops last year.
“It means a lot to us to know that the money we’re spending stays right here in this community,” Bromley said. “We want to support our local businesses and keep them around.”
On Saturday, a free trolley will run between Gaslight and Breton Villages from noon until 6 p.m.
