However, this year will be different, as business owners adhere to state and local guidelines designed to curb the spread of the coronavirus. Some small businesses are focusing more on online sales or gift cards. Others are trying to maintain the expected increase in sales while limiting the number of people inside their stores.
That can create additional challenges for small businesses in the county already dealing with the impact of the pandemic, said Chris Schutte, vice president of destination marketing and communications for the Greater Springfield Convention and Visitors Bureau.
Small Business Saturday (the day after Black Friday) – created and promoted by American Express since 2010 – is designed as a way to bring more business into local stores. Schutte said it has traditionally been associated with the retail sector and in many ways is the small business answer to Black Friday.
But with the pandemic, Schutte said small businesses are looking at ways to adapt, including some adding curbside pickup options as well as shipping more products.
Other businesses have decided to spread out their promotions and not focus on a single day, instead using Small Business Saturday as a launching point.
The Greater Springfield Convention and Visitors Bureau is also looking on ways to incorporate small businesses into larger plans to attract those to the downtown area.
Since holiday themed live events have been canceled this year due to the pandemic, there has been an emphasis on light displays in the downtown area. Something residents can enjoy while social distancing.
It is something that Schutte says can bring more people downtown.
Part of that is also encouraging people to do carryout at local restaurants or purchase gifts from downtown stores while adhering to social distancing guidelines, Schutte said.
He added that there is also an effort by his organization to promote and list local businesses that have remained open during the pandemic as well as what their hours are.
In addition the visitors bureau also runs a retail store in downtown Springfield called Champion City Guide & Supply. Kelcie Webster who manages it said that the holiday season is very busy for them.
She said that this year they have to be more mindful in how they promote things like Small Business Saturday as well as general holiday shopping.
“We have to create a safe atmosphere for our customers,” Webster said, noting that it is up to businesses to think creatively as they look to promote their products amid the pandemic.
For Champion City, Webster said that could mean looking at ways to generate more online sales or offer curbside services when requested. It could also mean giving people more time to take advantage of promotions that come about this time of year.
In South Charleston, downtown business owner Jennifer McKee said she usually has sales geared towards Black Friday and Small Business Saturday.
She owns Village Chic, a vintage retail store she opened with her daughter Karman McKee Ogden at 17 S. Chillicothe St. They also own the coffee shop Village Cup.
McKee said she still expects an uptick in sales and has doubled her staff this weekend to make sure that lines stay at a minimum.
Her business has also promoted curbside pickup during the pandemic as well as a call in service for food at the coffee shop or items at the boutique.
Village Chic also has a sister store in Springfield called Rose City Boutique that opened this month. They are currently working on creating a combined website, which is expected to launch over the next couple of weeks, to sell products online as well as showcase products live.
McKee said that she expects to continue to do promotions throughout the Christmas season.
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