Small Business Saturday spurs shopping in Springfield

While Small Business Saturday couldn't hold a Christmas candle to Black Friday's post-Turkey Day retail madness, the national holiday was hailed as a modest success for area retailers in New Hampshire and Vermont.
http://www.eagletimes.com/news/2015-11-30/Front_Page/Small_Business_Saturday_spurs_shopping_in_Springfi.html

Small Business Saturday spurs shopping in Springfield By Allan Stein allans@eagletimes.com Bette Matulonis, owner of Woodbury Florist at 400 River St. in Springfield, said business picked up, but not all that much, on Small Business Saturday. — ALLAN STEIN Bette Matulonis, owner of Woodbury Florist at 400 River St. in Springfield, said business picked up, but not all that much, on Small Business Saturday. — ALLAN STEIN SPRINGFIELD — While Small Business Saturday couldn't hold a Christmas candle to Black Friday's post-Turkey Day retail madness, the national holiday was hailed as a modest success for area retailers in New Hampshire and Vermont. Bette Matulonis, owner of Woodbury Florist at 400 River St. in Springfield, Vermont, said the holiday embodies the important commercial retail theme asking shoppers to "think big, buy small." "I think it helps people think locally. Like anything, you have to really get it into people's minds and repeat and repeat and repeat. Everybody is so programmed for the big stores that they actually stop thinking about what they can get locally," said Matulonis. On Saturday, small businesses in the Springfield area offered publicized specials in honor of the holiday. Von Bargen's at 2 Chester Road in Springfield awarded double loyalty points on all purchases made Saturday. Darlyn Walker, a certified graduate gemologist at Von Bargen's, said customers responded well to the holiday incentive. "We've had a few people in. I would say it has been a help," said Walker, who worked with four more customers than usual who were looking to buy earrings or pendants as holiday gifts. Von Bargen's has been in business in Springfield since 1975, offering custom jewelry, repair and artisan services. The Springfield Food Co-Op at 335 River St. offered 10 percent off all gift items, including free coffee and treats. Store employee Amber Debartolo said the store definitely benefited from Small Business Saturday. "We've been doing really well. We've been selling a lot of gifts. It's definitely been steady today. People seem pretty excited about it, which is good," said Debartolo. At Route 106 North Market & Deli in North Springfield, customers using their grinder club card or new club members received two card punches for each sandwich purchased. Woodbury Florist served free hot cocoa and free tasting of Harvest Barn dips to entice customers to shop. Tina's Hallmark Shop provided free refreshments, while Young's Furniture, also at 2 Chester Road, offered treats and store wide savings. Matulonis of Woodbury Florist said business sales in 2015 have been the best since the recession hit eight years ago. While the local economy continues to struggle, the store is experiencing an upswing in sales and profits, she said. On Sunday, the shop kicked off its annual Christmas Open House with an offer of 20 percent off on all items in the store. The store has been in business since 2005.