Holiday shopping on Black Friday will have new meaning for 2020 as shoppers try to find those special gifts while also maintaining safe distances. Why not enjoy shopping close to home and support local businesses at the same time?
On Friday and Saturday, Nov. 27-28, many merchants in downtown Hayesville and around Clay County will celebrate Shop Small Shop Local.
The annual event was brought to Clay County four years ago by local non-profit Historic Hayesville Inc. HHI representative Sandy Zimmerman explained.
“Holiday shopping is different this year and somewhat limited without trips with friends or to see relatives in a larger area, but it is a good time to support the family businesses in our own town,” she said. “So you can shop safely close to home with masks and social distancing without a long drive to a metro area. Visit new places or continue to shop with your favorite locations in person or online and use curbside pickup during the busy holidays.”
From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Friday and Saturday, shoppers may pick up shopping bags and special offerings at the HHI Centennial Exhibit, located at 116 Sanderson Street, next to the Hayesville Post Office. Along with the bags, shoppers will receive a list of participating locations where one to five tickets will be given each time you purchase between the weekend event and Saturday, Dec. 5. The tickets are for chances at winning one of three gift baskets, each valued at more than $100. The baskets are sponsored by Historic Hayesville Inc. and contain donations from local businesses, including gifts, gift cards or discounts. Drawing will be held Saturday, Dec. 5.
In addition to regular retail storefronts, crafts and some unique business items will be for sale inside the Beal Center. Shoppers are encouraged to have lunch and dinner at locally owned restaurants.
Fewer local businesses are participating this year but keeping consumer dollars close to home is more important now than ever. “On average for every dollar spent at a small business, 67 cents can stay local and helps to create jobs for a better economy,” Zimmerman added. “The promotion calls attention to the importance of independent businesses and Historic Hayesville Inc. is providing local promotional support for those in our community.”
American Express started Shop Small Shop Local, as an annual nationwide event in 2010, during an economic recession. The event is typically the Saturday after Thanksgiving; however, HHI and its partners added an extra weekend day to create more impact for 2020.
Information at American Express.com tells the impact of the event. “American Express cares deeply about thriving communities and believes small businesses are at the core of every successful neighborhood. That's why — in the midst of the recession in 2010 — we created Small Business Saturday® on the Saturday after Thanksgiving to encourage people to Shop Small and bring more holiday shopping to small businesses.”
Zimmerman ended, “Remember to Shop Small Shop Local during the holiday season and all year long to support those who support our community.”
Visit: www.historichayesvilleinc.com for details and see the ad promoting local businesses in this week’s Clay County Progress.