Local businesses thrive on Small Business Saturday
HOLLAND TWP. — Despite the dreary weather, Nov. 24 was a successful Small Business Saturday for more than 20 Holland-area businesses.
The owners at Michigan Pantry, Art as a Lifestyle and EcoBuns in the Holland Town Center were particularly excited to cater to the community.
“Last year was, as far as revenue goes, our biggest weekend-to-date,” said Marissa Berghorst, co-owner of EcoBuns. “And I feel like this year will be even better because the construction season is finally over. It’s almost like a grand reopening, because everyone can get to us now.”
By its 10 a.m. opening time, there were nearly a dozen people waiting in line outside EcoBuns. While there were no lines outside Michigan Pantry or Art as a Lifestyle, shoppers weren’t shy about traveling down the sidewalk to visit.
“The new location has been great,” said Robin Nash, the owner of Michigan Pantry, which moved from its downtown Holland location in October. “I feel like we’re reaching a lot more of the local people, and that’s exciting.”
Small Business Saturday began in 2010, when American Express launched the campaign in an effort to provide local businesses with additional exposure to change the way customers shop in their community.
“Today is a great way for the community to show support for the small, local businesses in Holland,” said Nash.
According to a survey released Nov. 16 by the National Retail Federation and Prosper Insight & Analytics, more than 67 million consumers expected to shop on Small Business Saturday. Of those shoppers, 78 percent said they would participate specifically to support small businesses.
“It’s really important that small businesses don’t get overlooked over the holidays,” said Maranda Shear, owner of Art as a Lifestyle. “And it’s important for people to know where their merchandise is coming from and to be able to support the businesses around them.”
https://www.hollandsentinel.com/news/20181124/local-businesses-thrive-on-small-business-saturday