By Helina Bailey
We all know about Black Friday, but did you know that the following day is dedicated to small businesses? Established in 2011 by American Express, and later sponsored by the SBA (Small Business Association), the Saturday after Thanksgiving was designated as a small business shopping day so that small businesses could get in on some of the holiday shopping action, which is the busiest time of the year for retail stores. Here in Union County, we do not have an abundance of retail shops, but we still have plenty of family run mom and pop shops offering giftable items/services.
According to bankrate.com, “in 2021, American Express reported that Small Business Saturday reached an all-time high with an estimated $23.3 billion in U.S. consumer spending.” (To read more about revenue statistics for Small Business Saturdays, visit bankrate.com ) The event has been a hit, with every year outperforming the last, but the numbers for 2022 are not out at the time this article was written.
On this Small Business Saturday, I took a drive down Highway 33 to pop into local stores and see if the shopping trend was being reflected in our local economy. I started at Ridge & Valley Coffeehouse, next to Foodcity, and was disappointed to find the shop empty of customers. Despite their Small Business Saturday special including 50% off all merchandise, 25% off coffee beans, and 25% off fall drinks, the coffee shop had not seen an influx of customers looking for holiday gifts. The weekend crew, two sweet highschoolers, were eager to serve customers and do what they could to promote the shop by word of mouth and on social media. Maddie, one of the baristas, had been actively posting on Facebook about their fall drink special and the release of their new winter menu for Small Business Saturday.
Chatting with the baristas, I learned that the coffee shop is Emma Gayle’s first job. She is a sophomore in high school and only works weekends. When asked how she feels about Ridge & Valley Coffeeshop, she had this to say about it. “It’s a good first job. I came in here knowing nothing about coffee, and now I know everything coffee from Emily teaching me.” Both baristas expressed their love for the coffee shop and would like the community to know that they exist, as many customers wander in for the first time by accident. “We are next to FoodCity! People still don’t know we are here though, or that our coffee is better quality than Starbucks at a cheaper price!” They are open Mon-Fri from 6am-6pm, and Saturdays from 8am-4pm. Check them out on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ridgeandvalleycoffeehouse or browse the menu and order ahead on their website at www.ridgeandvalleycoffeehouse.com
After stopping in for coffee, I headed to my next shop, Perry’s Décor & Boutique. This family run shop is the perfect place for holiday shoppers, with something for everyone on the Christmas list. Run by Trish, her husband Brian, their daughter Ms. Madison, and their pup, Zoey, Perry’s Décor & Boutique is a one stop shop. It boasts a hearty collection of Christmas décor, home and kitchen décor, clothing, winter scarves/beanies/headbands, purses and wallets, to ensure their customers have plenty to choose from.
One of their hot items right now are beautiful purses designed for concealed carry. Brian, as a husband, and father to a young woman, was proud to show me one of the sleek purses they carry. “It’s really important for women to be able to keep themselves safe, especially in this day and age.” They are currently waiting for their new shipment of bags because they are nearly sold out. Knowing that their shop helps ensure women in our community are able to conceal carry by providing fashionable bags, keeping themselves safe, brings a big smile to Brian’s face.
Despite Small Business Saturday being slower than last year, with this season being slower overall, Perry’s Décor and Boutique, had a steady flow of customers in their shop and engaging online when they went live on Facebook. The family loves their customers, considering them family. “Our sign says, come in and make yourself at home...and we mean it.” They are open Mon-Fri from 9am-5pm, and on Sat from 9am-2pm. To browse their collection online, visit their Facebook at www.facebook.com/PerrysCustoms19 or check out their website at perrysdecorandboutique.com
After leaving the shop, I got back on the highway and headed towards Rustic Re-Do & Décor. Recently purchased by a husband-and-wife duo, this décor shop offers a ton of Christmas and farmhouse rustic décor, in addition to refurbishing furniture. On Small Business Saturday, they enjoyed a healthy flow of new customers who came to see Santa. They offered photos with Santa all morning, along with free hot cocoa, hot cider, and cookies. As official retailers for Dixie Belle Paint, they specialize in refurbishing wooden furniture with custom paint. They sell classic wooden pieces and antique furniture with the option to customize. They also take on refurbishing projects for family heirlooms. To learn more about their shop give them a call at (865)256-0275.
It was time for a late lunch after visiting all these shops so I finally got to try out Lil Joes. I was skeptical, seeing all the booths empty, but the food was delicious and the pizza did not disappoint. The staff was friendly, and despite the unprecedently small lunch crowd on “Small Business Saturday,” they were all smiles.
Lil Joes is another family run business, established in 2013. Owned and run by a father-daughter pair, Curtus Petree and Sarah, the eatery offers a huge menu. Sarah recommends the “catfish dinner or pizza” to newcomers. She acknowledged what other business owners in the area have said, business is slower than usual right now, but understands that many people are struggling. So, for those wanting to gift a nice hot meal this holiday season, as many families are refraining from eating out, Lil Joes offers gift certificates. They are open for lunch and dinner every day, except Monday and close early on Sunday’s at 3pm. They have recently updated their website. Check it out here www.liljosbbq.com to see a list of their upcoming events and line up for live music.