NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) — Small Business Saturday is observed across the country on the Saturday after Thanksgiving to encourage shoppers to support local stores after Black Friday. This yr, we asked business owners about the impact this present day had on them.
While most shoppers headed to retail stores, others spent the day shopping at local businesses.
“It’s a fantastic feeling. There are so many people enjoying this beautiful day and meeting their neighbors, and there are about 80 different artists there right now,” said business owner Catherine DeYoung.
DeYoung has been an element of Arts Market since 2013. Around this time of yr he presents several latest works.
“It may be very necessary to be present in such a market. I wish to debut loads of latest products that I’ve worked really hard on, so it’s very nice to get gifts into the hands of people who find themselves outside of Christmas shopping,” DeYoung said.
According to American Express, in 2023, small business customers spent roughly $17 million on Saturday shopping locally.
John Killeen is a component of the marketplace for the first time, but sees it as something he desires to proceed to be an element of. According to him, shopping local keeps people working and the city thriving.
“It’s a pretty good market where people are just hanging out, more people are spending money. It’s nice to hear that people like your work. It’s a great feeling. Yes. I just want them to put their money where their mouth is and go out and buy, support local art,” said a Killeen business owner.
Another artist, known for his colourful paintings, comes from Tennessee simply to be part of the local art market. For him, it shows how much people want small businesses to remain alive.
“The art market is implausible because people come and support local art. They support us, the artists , it’s implausible. If you may create art that touches people’s hearts and souls, you might be doing all your job,” said the owner of Bebo.