SF Shoppers Support Small Business Saturday

by Laura Monteverdi, Reporter
November 24, 2012 6:18 PM


 The day after Black Friday marked the official start of "Small Business Saturday" and many shoppers in Sioux Falls showed their support for local shops.

Nancy Savage has owned Child's Play Toys in downtown for three years and she said it has always been her dream to own a small business.
     
"We give people a different choice and we give them service," said Savage.

She said being a part of the local community allows her more one-one-one time with those that walk through the door.

"We get to know our customers. We know them by name, we call them, we talk to them and we see them out at the grocery store," said Savage.

"It's fun to be greeted by name. Even the store we're in now, we were here last night and when we came back this morning they immediately recognized that we were here before," said Sioux Falls resident, Rich Jensen.

It's little shops like Nancy's that benefit from "Small Business Saturday".

Now in it's third year, the day is designed to support local businesses and help boost the local economy. The campaign is sponsored by American Express who offers money back to their cardholders when they shop at participating stores.

Another small business owner, Dick Murphy, of Mrs. Murphy's Irish Gifts, said having a small business in Sioux Falls helps keep the community thriving.

"We're paying for rent. We're paying for all the sales tax that's generated. We have our own housing. We have our own utilites. We add so much more to the vibrancy of every small town," said Murphy.

 For those who decided to support the shopping holiday on Saturday, Mrs. Murphy's gave something back.

"For our special customers that come down on this very special day we offer a 17 percent discount," said Murphy.

Other towns like Yanton also supported the campaign. The Yankton Area Chamber of Commerce staff rewarded people for shopping local with American Express giftcards.