According to Business Development Specialist and Main Street Manager of Downtown Salisbury, Laura Kordzikowski, the event was a spin off of the American Express holiday.
This American shopping holiday held on the Saturday after Thanksgiving was first observed on November 27, 2010, in response to the rise in business during Black Friday and Cyber Monday.
Kordzikowski said small businesses in the downtown area needed attention, so three years ago, the city began promoting downtown as a place to shop.
“A lot of people didn’t even know what was there,” Kordzikowski said. “We now see more businesses opening and more businesses taking part in the event.”
Last year, Kordzikowski says 14 different businesses in the downtown area held sales and specials on Small Business Saturday. This year, there are 6 businesses participating, however, the list is still growing.
“Last year I talked to businesses after the event and Angelo’s said it was the busiest they’ve seen the shop,” Kordzikowski said. “We have a lot of qualitative data but not quantitative.”
As for continuing the event in the future, Kordzikowski says of course they will keep up with the event because ‘promoting downtown as a place to be is a no-brainer.’
Later on in the day, the Wicomico Yacht Club Christmas Boat Parade will kick off at 5 p.m. ending at Brew River. The Winter Wonderland of Lights Illumination Ceremony at the Salisbury City Park will also kick off at 5 p.m.
Here is a list of participating stores in the downtown Salisbury area on Small Business Saturday:
–Art Institute & Gallery will be offering a 10% discount on gift shop items 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. and will be hosting a “Snack and Paint” for kids from 12 p.m. – 2 p.m.
–Chesapeake East Company will have discounts throughout the store and special exhibits of unique gifts! Paint Your Own Pottery At Chesapeake East will have 15% off all pottery painting! 10 a.m.- 6 p.m.
–Kuhn’s Jewelers is hosting their “Half Off Sale”! The “Celebration Collection” will be coming to Salisbury and exclusively available at Kuhn’s for two days only! Incredible pieces from jewelry store closeouts will be on hand and available at HALF OFF! Open 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.!
–Barefoot Baby Boutique is gearing up for the holidays by expanding their hours to 6 p.m. on Thursdays starting Nov. 12th. On Small Business Saturday, they will be having a Holiday Sip and Shop from 4 p.m.- 6 p.m.! Enjoy a glass of wine and grab a great holiday deal while you’re at it! Spend $75 and get a pair of Pediped shoes or a pair of Christmas PJ’s at 50% off!
-Black Friday to Christmas, Brew River Restaurant and Bar will be offering a $10 gift card for every $50 purchased in gift cards! Don’t forget to check out the 28th Annual Christmas Boat Parade arriving at Brew at 6 p.m.!
–Downtown Bridal will be hosting an Abandoned Dress Sale! Come help them find homes for all their abandoned dresses due to canceled events! Bridal, Bridesmaid, and Social occasions at 50% off or more!
To learn more about the event, follow Small Business Saturday on Facebook.
(Photo: Downtown Salisbury)
(Photo: Small Business Saturday)
