WATSONVILLE — While many shoppers in the United States eagerly awaited the day after Thanksgiving, dubbed “Black Friday” for sales and deals, others decided to wait an extra day to begin their holiday shopping. And they did it on a much smaller scale.
“Small Business Saturday: Shop Small,” a movement to get shoppers back into purchasing from local, often family-owned and -run businesses has gained momentum in recent years. Even with the onslaught of large corporate stores and online retailers, many have reverted back to supporting small business.
“These are the people who support the community,” said Shaz Roth, CEO of the Pajaro Valley Chamber of Commerce and Agriculture. “You support these shops, and they support the local schools, the local sports teams. When you spend your money here, you’re investing in your entire community.”
East Lake Village Shopping Center in Watsonville held a “Small Business Saturday” event this weekend, with a good deal of the center’s business joining in on the festivities and urging shoppers into their stores with sales. Roth joined Think Local First’s Membership Director Andrea Konrad in live broadcasting the event through KSCO, interviewing attendees.
Meanwhile, live music was performed in front of Carmona’s BBQ Deli, and pizza from Chili’s Pizza was sold on the sidewalk nearby.
“These kinds of events are always important,” said Fernando Marquez, one of the owners of Central Coast Shipping and Screen Printing, which moved into the center eight months ago. “Our business is family-owned and operated, as many here are. It’s always good to support that.”
Tractor-pulled hay rides were provided by the Agricultural History Project, with volunteers leading riders in singing Christmas carols while aboard. Hot chocolate was provided to guests from Watsonville’s newest coffeehouse, Coffeeville.
“Supporting small business helps the local economy in ways bigger stores cannot,” said Mike Goble, who owns Coffeeville with his wife Kendra McQueen.
The couple moved their business from Santa Cruz to Watsonville this year, and plan to eventually expand into a larger section of East Lake Village Shopping Center.
“When you support local business, it pressures larger stores to engage in better practices, and it addresses local issues,” Goble said. “In short, it helps everyone.”
