Black Friday, Small Business Saturday put emphasis on shopping local

The busy week of Thanksgiving for family festivities, followed by Black Friday for bargains in the stores, concludes with Imperial’s Small Business Saturday on Nov. 24.
It represents an opportunity to increase sales for small businesses during the holiday shopping season.
Several small businesses in Imperial were contacted last week and asked about their plans for Black Friday and Small Business Saturday, and their thoughts on the benefits of shopping local.
Dan and Kelly Long, owners of MorningStar Cafe, will be open for business this Friday and Saturday from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. with a Black Friday and Small Business Saturday special where all non-alcoholic beverages with meals will be free with one free refill, Kelly Long said. “We expect good business from our locals that don’t leave town for the long week-end,” she said.
Nicki Sailors, manager of Bomgaars Supply, said they will have an Early Bird Special on Black Friday between 6 a.m. and noon with 20% off store items, and also, a 42-gun safe that is regularly priced at $699.99 on sale Friday for $499.99, with another $100 off with rebate.
Ronee Kruger owns Lavender Market, a flower store and children’s boutique with a wide selection of gifts, and will be open on Friday and Saturday. “There are a number of regular customers who enjoy the actual in-store shopping, and I’m hoping the Black Friday and Small Business Saturday event will generate more people appreciating that shopping option,” she said. “We are offering 20% off Friday and Saturday in the store, and look for savings available online at shoplavenderlittles.com,” she said. The store, a block off Broadway, is challenged by not having the regular foot traffic downtown, she said.
509 Broadway is a coffee shop and women’s apparel store and shoes. Employee Shelby Jutten said the store is offering savings of 30% off storewide and doorbusters for Black Friday and Small Business Saturday. “Our clientele varies in age, and the ample seating reflects our loyal following,” she said.
Tyler Pribbeno is the Administrative & Community Development Director of Imperial and said, “The sales tax generated from local businesses helps our local workers, public infrastructures, and new start up businesses.”