Small Business Saturday grows, thrives

Small Business Saturday generally comes and goes with little fanfare. But to several Minneota business owners, the event was a success.

“There was a steady stream of people here all day,” said Carla Thompson, who was holding the Grand Opening of her Mary Louise vintage and antique store.

“I've been open a month, but this was the best Saturday I've had by far.” Mary Louise, named after Carla's mother, offered discount prices from 20-40 percent off on merchandise based on the selection of a candy cane. And, there was one candy cane that included a 50 percent off discount.

“The first person that came in today (Nov. 24) picked the candy cane with the 50 percent off,” noted Thompson. “Because I had just opened and the 50 percent discount was the first one picked, I added another one on the candy canes.”

Terri Downing and Dealyn Rose, both from Marshall, made the trip to Minneota to support Thompson's new business that formerly was housed in Marshall.

“We heard she was having her Grand Opening here so we wanted to come and check it out,” said Downing.

At Gislason's Hardware/The Arched Door, business was also steady throughout the day. “It was busier than a normal Saturday,” said Barb Rye of The Arched Door.

Customers there were also given a chance for various discounts. Cecelia Pohlen expressed delight after selecting a holiday décor item and learning she was getting an additional 25 percent off her purchase.

“Oh wow,” she said. “I never expected this.”

Earlier in the day, a customer exited The Arched Door and told a friend that the store was so busy that she was going to come back later.

“They have some nice things in there, but it's really busy right now,” she said. “It's nice to see people supporting the businesses in town.”

Shirley Gladis of This and That Recreated/Coffee Time also mentioned that Small Business Saturday was a success in her store.

“Much better than normal,” she said when asked how this Saturday stacked up against past weekends.

“I've been here a year now and this was one of the best days I've had. This past year has been an awesome journey.”

This and That Recreated, recently added Coffee Time, a small coffee shop in the back of the store, and many customers took advantage of the hot beverages (coffee, tea and hot chocolate) to warm up during their shopping sprees in town.

Small Business Saturday was designed in 2010 to encourage holiday shoppers to patronize small and local businesses.

It is held on the last Saturday of November as a counterpart to Black Friday and Cyber Monday; considered one of the busiest shopping periods of the year.

Many small town businesses in the state reported little or no additional traffic on Small Business Saturday. Minneota was not among them.

“We appreciate the support we get in the community,” said Dave Fahey of Gislason’s Hardware.

“Minneota people always seem to be supportive of whatever is going on.”