Big plans for Small Business Saturday

With Black Friday here, shopping is on the minds of many. But don’t forget about Small Business Saturday. This special holiday lands on the Saturday after Thanksgiving (Nov. 25, 2017) and the message is simple: shop local.


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Vermont’s small businesses face an Amazon problem

Stacy Mitchell has seen all the headlines: Take
“Vermont Last State in America to Get a Walmart.”

Or

“The Only State Capital Without a McDonald’s.”

Or

“Towns Have an Image, and They Say Dollar Stores Aren’t Part of It.”

“Vermont,” she says, “has more small businesses per capita and the least big-box square footage of any state in the country.”

But the co-director of the Institute for Local Self-Reliance says that for all the pushback against chain competition, Vermonters aren’t seeing or talking about a threat of more amazonian proportions.

Make that Amazon.com proportions.

“Vermont is perhaps the only place one can point to for not allowing companies to overwhelm the local economy,” she says, “but Amazon is having a similar effect, and it’s invisible.”

That’s why Mitchell is set to visit the state this week for two public programs on “Amazon’s Stealth Invasion of Vermont.”       More....

Springfield businesses have big plans for Small Business Saturday | November 19, 2017 SPRINGFIELD, Vt. — With Black Friday just around the corner, shopping is on the minds of many. But don’t forget about Small Business Saturday. This special holiday lands on the Saturday after Thanksgiving (Nov. 25, 2017) and the message is simple: shop local. The Springfield Regional Chamber of Commerce is partnering with local businesses to promote healthy commerce in the region. Many will be running specials in honor of the Small Business Saturday holiday and also giving away reusable “Shop Small” fabric bags. The Springfield Co-op will be offering free food and beverage samples, and 20 percent off all non-sale gift items. They are also hosting a town-wide small business raffle. Customers may pick up punch cards at their location — those who shop at three or more local businesses will be entered to win a raffle bag. The Gallery at the VAULT is offering 20 percent off Danforth Ornaments, and will also be having an open house on Dec. 9 with live music, and a Men’s Night on Dec. 14. Dark Mountain Games will be having sales on an assortment of merchandise for Black Friday and carrying those deals straight through Small Business Saturday. In addition, Dark Mountain Coins can be redeemed at twice their value on Nov. 25. And don’t forget about Clever Cow Designs, downstairs. Alaura’s New Nails will be offering $50 gift certificates for the price of $40, and the town’s newest downtown shop, Shannon’s Upscale Resale, will be serving refreshments and those who sign up for the business’ email list by Nov. 23 will receive a coupon for 20 percent off one item. The Edgar May Health and Recreation Center will be offering one-day specials. Purchase any class or visit punch card and save $10. You can also save 10 percent on any membership purchased that day, which could save you more than $60 on an annual membership. Tina’s Hallmark Shop will be serving delicious treats created by Cuppity Kakes and offering a sale on boxed holiday cards and gift wrap. Woodbury Florist is featuring taste testing of all their specialty foods and will be running a holiday rewards program. And don’t forget about Mail Away Wreaths – a perfect way to spread holiday cheer. Looking for something fun to do with the kiddos? Catch a flick at Springfield Cinemas 3. Buy one large popcorn, get one free! Jake’s South Street Market will be running a raffle for a gift basket filled with wonderful Vermont products. Route 106 Market and Deli will be offering double punches on their Grinder Club Cards. Young’s Furniture will be running storewide sales, and all sale prices will include tax. For those looking to refuel, Sheri’s Place will be offering a free soda with the purchase of an entree. The Hartness House Inn will be open for lunch and dinner, and hosting a very special event on Small Business Saturday: the Springfield Area Parent Child Center’s T’was the Night Before Christmas Live Interactive Experience from 10 a.m. to 7:40 p.m. Tickets are limited, and can be ordered at www.twasthenightlive.eventbright.com. For one day only, at Black Rock Steakhouse, with the purchase a $50 gift card, patrons will get a $10 gift card free. Grab some local brews from Joe’s Discount Beverage, open 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Small Business Saturday. Trout River Brewery will be having their last open house before they open their tasting room. From noon to 4 p.m. on Nov. 25 they will be selling new merchandise and 4-packs. After refueling, Up your Alley will be running Open Bowl from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Cosmic Bowling from 7 .p.m to 10 p.m. For more information on Small Business Saturday happenings in Springfield, visit the Springfield Regional Chamber of Commerce’s Facebook page.