November 21, 2023 at 10:20 a.m.
Shop Local: Sweet Deals in Store for Shoppers this Small Business Saturday 11/25
Thanksgiving cleanup under control? Check. Post-turkey nap? Check. Now, it's time to shop and local businesses are making final preparations to welcome customers with some sweet deals for Small Business Saturday 2023.
Considered to be one of the busiest shopping days of the year, independently owned, small businesses look forward to Small Business Saturday as, for many, it is their biggest day of the year. And as Hope’s thriving business district continues to grow, this weekend is one of the community’s pivotal shopping days.
Hope Town Manager Jason Eckart is hopeful that shoppers are mindful of the impact their holiday dollars make when they shop local and encourages them to come out and show their support this weekend.
“These small businesses depend on revenue to stay alive and are vital to the economy of Hope,” he says. “By purchasing items locally, you are directly affecting the town’s economy.”
Ja-Vonda Cave, owner of the Dandelion Boutique, located at 601 Harrison St. downtown, says she will offer a variety of fun treats and surprises for shoppers, including refreshments, door prizes, and special sales.
Cave says the value of shopping local doesn’t just benefit the store owners, but the community, too, as many friendships and relationships develop and thrive by way of a growing, supportive community.
“I love my customers and wouldn’t be here without them,” she says. “I appreciate every one of them.”
Holiday items greet customers at the Dandelion Boutique. Photo credit: Ja-Vonda Cave, submitted. On the other side of the Square at the Gold Nugget Pawn Shop there will be many discounts, refreshments and much celebrating to be had as Jackie Tallent and her staff will also be hosting their annual Christmas Open House from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.Among the store’s discounts, there will be 20 percent off musical instruments, knives and swords, and a variety of tools. Additionally, jewelry will be 20 to 50 percent off and there will be 50 percent off other select items.
Down the way from the Gold Nugget, the ladies at WILLow LeaVes of Hope will be hosting a day of mystery discounts during their 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. shopping hours. Customers can pick a coupon from the WILLow LeaVes stocking to reveal their discount.
Sampling of the holiday treasures that await shoppers at WILLow LeaVes of Hope. Photo credit: WILLow LeaVes of Hope, submitted. Leroy Amstutz, owner of the Swiss Maid Country Market, located at 310 Jackson St. just a few steps down from WILLow LeaVes and the Gold Nugget, says he and his staff will have several specials running Saturday.
Among the specials will be several deli sales, including mini marble cheese for $2.69/per pound and apple wood smoked ham for $3.49/per pound. Jar goods, including seedless black raspberry jam and apple butter, will be discounted with buy five and get one free. The Market’s 27-ounce canned broth will be $5.99 or three for $15, Amstutz says. In addition, white bread will be $1.49 per loaf and brown eggs will go for $2.99 per dozen, he adds.
Those looking for something artsy, one-of-a-kind or maybe something customizable are in luck, Eckart says, and should check out Rena Dillman’s Patchwork Studio and Gallery for artwork by local artists and Special by Design, which “has many local gifts available as well as custom pieces that could be ready before Christmas.”
Local business owners are hopeful that this year’s Small Business Saturday will set the tone for a bustling holiday season on the Hope Town Square this year and they couldn’t be more excited.
Ringing through all the holiday greetings and well wishes is a message of hope and gratitude, Cave says.
“Thanks for shopping local in our surprising little town of Hope.”
