Between Black Friday and Cyber Monday, this year's holiday shopping will include "Small Business Saturday."
Independent store owners hope the promotion will help them remain in business and part of the community.
A year ago, Picayune Toys owner Beck Goblish wondered if she could keep her Dunwoody store open. She hopes this year's promotion will help kick off a shopping season that is crucial for her store to survive.
"If we can just pay our bills through the end of the year and hopefully the first of January or February, then we'll be OK, I think," said Goblish.
Small Business Saturday began as a promotion by American Express. Shop owners say it has proved to be an attention-getter and they say it is attention they could use.
Goblish counts on loyal customers like Amy Loge.
"It's wonderful to deal with merchants that are close by and they have a great selection and they're very personable," said Loge.
But small stores have lagged behind big store chains in sales growth this year.
Small Business Saturday hopes to remind shoppers that independent stores offer different selections and personal service.
"It's very important, I think, to support your local community. It doesn't just benefit me, it benefits everybody," said Goblish.
She hopes to be open for Small Business Saturday next year.
"Because I don't want to do anything else. I don't want to retire. I know my husband would like for me to retire, but I'm not going to stay home and make lunch," Goblish said.
Goblish says 40 percent of her sales come during the last three months of the year.
The Eagle Eye Bookshop in Decatur is another store hoping to see more customers on Saturday.
Doug Robinson's store has been open for almost 10 years. He says he's committed to remaining open.
"We get a lot of local character here in our store, a lot more of that, than you do at a chain store," said Robinson.
American Express says more than 100 million people shopped at independent stores on last year's Small Business Saturday.
Thousands of retailers will be competing for your attention this weekend -- but what should you buy, and what should you skip? Steve Noviello has advice from Dealnews.com
Thousands of retailers will be competing for your attention this weekend -- but what should you buy, and what should you skip? Steve Noviello has advice from Dealnews.com
Wednesday, November 21 2012 8:23 AM EST2012-11-21 13:23:47 GMT
Does technology make your holiday shopping easier? According to Pricegrabber, 82 percent of people who shop online this year will use an app to save cash on gifts this year.
Does technology make your holiday shopping easier? According to Pricegrabber, 82 percent of people who shop online this year will use an app to save cash on gifts this year. So naturally, we've worked up a list of some must-have apps to help you get the job done.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 8:29 AM EDT2013-06-19 12:29:16 GMT
A local couple is happy to hear that members of a morning radio show fired for mocking a former ex-NFL star battling ALS now admit that they went too far.
A local couple is happy to hear that members of a morning radio show fired for mocking a former ex-NFL star battling ALS now admit that they went too far.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 8:13 AM EDT2013-06-19 12:13:25 GMT
The Woodstock Police Department says a police K-9 died after being left in his handler's patrol car.Spartacus, a 3-year-old Belgian Malinois, was found dead in his handler's patrol car. Authorities later
The Woodstock Police Department says a police K-9 died after being left in his handler's patrol car.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 11:38 PM EDT2013-06-19 03:38:42 GMT
The City Council of Chamblee has delayed a controversial land rezoning variance. The Council also issued a preliminary resolution saying that they wanted to fire their own manager.
The City Council of Chamblee has delayed a controversial land rezoning variance. The Council also issued a preliminary resolution saying that they wanted to fire their own manager.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 9:13 AM EDT2013-06-19 13:13:21 GMT
A car crashed into a building on 2nd Avenue and East 4th Street in the East Village on Wednesday morning. At least eight people were injured, three in serious condition, according to FDNY officials.
A car jumped the curb on 2nd Avenue and East 4th Street in the East Village on Wednesday morning injuring eight people. Witnesses say the Nissan was traveling at a high speed before it took out the store front, trees, bicycles, a light post and a fire hydrant.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 8:30 AM EDT2013-06-19 12:30:41 GMT
Natura Pet Products is voluntarily recalling all Innova, California Natural, EVO, Healthwise, Mother Nature and Karma branded dry pet food and biscuit, bar, and treat products with expiration dates prior to June 10, 2014, because of a positive Salmonella test.
Natura Pet Products is voluntarily recalling all Innova, California Natural, EVO, Healthwise, Mother Nature and Karma branded dry pet food and biscuit, bar, and treat products with expiration dates prior to June 10, 2014, because of a positive Salmonella test.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 7:07 AM EDT2013-06-19 11:07:13 GMT
Photo courtesy of @N42_21_W71_04)
Riders should anticipate some changes but "near normal" service on the Long Island Rail Road for the morning rush.
Riders should anticipate some changes but "near normal" service on the Long Island Rail Road for the morning rush. Crews have been working to repair tracks and switches after Monday's derailment.
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A senior administration official says Gov. Andrew Cuomo and legislative leaders have struck a deal to authorize four upstate casinos and to allow votes on 10 separate women's rights bills including an abortion...
A senior administration official says Gov. Andrew Cuomo and legislative leaders have struck a deal to authorize four upstate casinos and to allow votes on 10 separate women's rights bills including an abortion proposal...
Wednesday, June 19 2013 6:07 AM EDT2013-06-19 10:07:22 GMT
NYC
Nearly 3 million New Yorkers' homes are now in evacuation zones that cover more than a third of the city's population, under new maps released Tuesday.
Nearly 3 million New Yorkers' homes are now in evacuation zones that cover more than a third of the city's population, under new maps released Tuesday.In the wake of Superstorm Sandy, officials said last month, the number of zones would double and encompass about 600,000 more residents.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 9:50 PM EDT2013-06-19 01:50:52 GMT
FDNY photo via Twitter
Emergency responders rescued a worker who was trapped when a trench collapsed Tuesday evening at a Queens construction site that was supposed to be closed.
Emergency responders rescued a worker who was trapped when a trench collapsed Tuesday evening at a Queens construction site that was supposed to be closed.
Picayune Toys in Dunwoody hopes to benefit from Small Business Saturday.
