BAKERSFIELD, CA - Well after the Thanksgiving turkey, and the bargain hunting that is Black Friday, there is "Small Business Saturday."
It's when shoppers are encouraged to share part of their holiday budget with mom and pop owned stores.
This year, the Bakersfield Downtown Business Association is adding new enticements, champagne and lunch, to get people ready to shop small.
Holiday music and a greeting are the first things you'll hear at the Merry Go Round Antique Mall.
"It's different than going to the big mall. You can find things that you can't find," said Bruce Cooper, Co-owner of the antique mall.
From nicks and knacks to cars and bikes, the small business hopes to attract those on a holiday hunt for the perfect gift this giving season, like shopper Rita Loken.
"They bring more memories and I think they have more value, sentimental value,' said Loken about shopping at the small shop.
The Merry Go Round is one of 26 businesses kicking off Small Business Saturday with the Downtown Business Association, offering lunch and champagne at the Padre before hitting the small stores.
"I mean it's like being a home a hometown and that's the feel we want every body to have because you don't get that in the bigger businesses and everything," said Melanie Farmer, with the DBA.
The National Federation of Independent Business anticipates spending will increase in small shops from $5.7-billion last year to $5.9-billion this year.
"If I don't have people coming through those doors, I don't survive," said Kat Wyatt, owner of Bleu Lavender.
Wyatt says while big box bargains pull customers away, her overhead expenses aren't going anywhere.
"If they shop small in here, that is how I pay my PG&E bill. That is how I pay my Internet bill. That is how I buy more inventory. That is how small businesses across the board survive," said Wyatt.
And the small businesses could possibly thrive because it is the time of year when shoppers can remember, the best things sometimes come in the smallest of packages.
"Everybody wants a little pat on the back and to feel appreciated, so to come in when all of the Black Friday and sales are still going on, for them to still make it in here that actually means a lot to me because they could be spending their time somewhere else," said Wyatt.
The downtown champagne and shop event is this Saturday, November 29, at 11:30 AM at The Padre.
Lunch and champagne is $15 followed by shopping.You may also purchase a passport to have stamped by local stores and enter in a drawing to win prizes.
It's when shoppers are encouraged to share part of their holiday budget with mom and pop owned stores.
This year, the Bakersfield Downtown Business Association is adding new enticements, champagne and lunch, to get people ready to shop small.
Holiday music and a greeting are the first things you'll hear at the Merry Go Round Antique Mall.
"It's different than going to the big mall. You can find things that you can't find," said Bruce Cooper, Co-owner of the antique mall.
From nicks and knacks to cars and bikes, the small business hopes to attract those on a holiday hunt for the perfect gift this giving season, like shopper Rita Loken.
"They bring more memories and I think they have more value, sentimental value,' said Loken about shopping at the small shop.
The Merry Go Round is one of 26 businesses kicking off Small Business Saturday with the Downtown Business Association, offering lunch and champagne at the Padre before hitting the small stores.
"I mean it's like being a home a hometown and that's the feel we want every body to have because you don't get that in the bigger businesses and everything," said Melanie Farmer, with the DBA.
The National Federation of Independent Business anticipates spending will increase in small shops from $5.7-billion last year to $5.9-billion this year.
"If I don't have people coming through those doors, I don't survive," said Kat Wyatt, owner of Bleu Lavender.
Wyatt says while big box bargains pull customers away, her overhead expenses aren't going anywhere.
"If they shop small in here, that is how I pay my PG&E bill. That is how I pay my Internet bill. That is how I buy more inventory. That is how small businesses across the board survive," said Wyatt.
And the small businesses could possibly thrive because it is the time of year when shoppers can remember, the best things sometimes come in the smallest of packages.
"Everybody wants a little pat on the back and to feel appreciated, so to come in when all of the Black Friday and sales are still going on, for them to still make it in here that actually means a lot to me because they could be spending their time somewhere else," said Wyatt.
The downtown champagne and shop event is this Saturday, November 29, at 11:30 AM at The Padre.
Lunch and champagne is $15 followed by shopping.You may also purchase a passport to have stamped by local stores and enter in a drawing to win prizes.