Local business owners: Instead of 'big box,' think 'small shops'
Reporter: Kevin Keen
TUCSON (KGUN9-TV) - While many of us are salivating over a Thanksgiving feast, others are drooling over the dessert deals of Black Friday. And while big box stores may be the destination of choice for many shoppers, mom and pop are hoping you'll choose to stay local.
Their signs read "open" and small businesses in Tucson want you to know they're just that on the day after Thanksgiving.
“We’re celebrating ‘Plaid Friday’ instead of ‘Black Friday,’ which means 'shop independent' on the day after Thanksgiving,” said Kate Randall, a co-owner of Antigone Books on Fourth Avenue. “We have a special that day for everybody who comes in.”
Holiday shopping is a big part of any business, including those that are small. “Sometimes, it's about half our yearly business in November, December and a little into January," Randall said.
So, instead of thinking "big box," local stores like Antigone Books want you to "shop small" this weekend.
“What's the appeal of the independent, of the small business?” reporter Kevin Keen asked. “There's a lot of great things about small and independent businesses,” Randall said. “First of all, they have a lot of fun and interesting and inspiring things. That's certainly what we try to have.”
“It also keeps a lot more of the money in Tucson,” Randall later said. “I think it's: three times as much of the money that's spent in local stores stays in the community, as opposed to if you shop in big box stores.”
Organizations like the Arizona Small Business Association say you can still wait in line for those big retailer deals, but it has another suggestion.
“Sometimes they do offer really good discounts,” said Louise Abbott with the association. “What I would like to suggest is take that money that you saved at the big box and go spend it with a local business.”
An organization called "Local First" has put together a list of holiday deals at small businesses in Tucson.
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