Shopping local at heart of Small Business Saturday

    This busy week of Thanksgiving for family festivities, followed by Black Friday for bargains in the stores, concludes with Small Business Saturday on Nov. 26.
    This annual late November event was created to encourage consumers to shop locally in person and online at small businesses.
    It represents a significant opportunity to increase sales for small businesses during the holiday shopping season.
    Several small businesses in Imperial were visited last week and asked about their plans for Small Business Saturday, and their thoughts on the benefits of shopping local.
    Ronee Kruger owns Lavender Market, a flower store and children’s boutique with a wide selection of gifts, and will be open on Small Business Saturday.
    “There are a number of regular customers who enjoy the actual in-store shopping, and I’m hoping the Small Business Saturday event will generate more people appreciating that shopping option,” she said.
    Kruger has expanded her lines and has a wide variety of infant and toddler apparel. She believes her store has the best selection of children’s clothing between Kearney and Denver, and a Christmas theme permeates the store.
    The store, a block off Broadway, is challenged by not having the regular foot traffic of downtown.
    But Kruger said she maintains a loyal following that appreciates browsing through at her store.
    Owens True Value manager Emily Lakey said the store has been in Imperial for 30 years and along with its hardware, paints and tools has a home décor department.
    “We are open long hours and have the varied and many products in stock so we are very competitive to the other similar stores,” she said.
    Among their specials this weekend, True Value will have a coupon offering 25% off one item that costs $50 or less.
    Adams Lumber is a full- service lumber company operating in Imperial since 1919.
    Manager Cody DeBusk said, “Customers like being able to see and compare the materials in front of them and having it in stock is helpful.”
    The store has a “do it best” monthly special on selected items that may attract Small Business Saturday customers this weekend. The store has lumber and numerous home improvement products, including a selection of paints. Other in-store materials include storm doors, various windows and interior upgrade products.
    509 Broadway is a coffee shop and women’s apparel store with a selection of women’s shoes. Owner Tiffany Reeves is offering savings of 30% off storewide and doorbusters for Small Business Saturday.
    The coffee bar has a variety of coffees from plain to exotic and a number of pastries.
    Servers Shelby Jutten and Shelby Wheeler said the clientele varies in age, and the ample seating reflects a loyal following.
    They’ll be open for Small Business Saturday with a number of specials.
    Shawn Jaeger is first vice president of the Imperial Chamber of Commerce and said the small businesses in Imperial are part of the community.
    In rural areas, in-store shopping frequently requires long driving times, he noted.
    Imperial is a vibrant source of local shopping, he said, adding “the Chamber encourages shoppers in the area to support our local businesses.”