PANAMA CITY — As the chaos surrounding big Black Friday sales subsides, holiday shoppers are encouraged to think a bit smaller as they head out Saturday.
This weekend, Small Business Saturday will celebrate its fifth year as a nationwide effort to drive shoppers to local merchants. In Panama City, several organizations are encouraging customers to “shop small” Saturday and keep their dollars in the local community.
Erin Haray, manager of Estate Treasures in Panama City, has been promoting Small Business Saturday for the downtown shop for the last few years.
“I really, really believe in supporting small businesses, in supporting your neighbors,” Haray said. “My mom owned a small business and my grandparents owned a small business, so I grew up in that. I don’t think people understand how important it is; it keeps the money local.”
Estate Treasures has been open at its current location on Harrison Avenue for nearly a decade, specializing in antiques and other items drawn from estate liquidations and customer consignments.
Haray said the shop will be offering a variety of specials for Small Business Saturday, showcasing the unique offering of items — from one-of-a-kind jewelry items to children’s tea sets.
“Shopping in our stores, you’re going to find things that you can’t find at Wal-Mart,” Haray said of local merchants. “You have the opportunity to be unique and find a unique gift for someone.”
Founded by American Express in 2010, Small Business Saturday has grown to reach nearly 3,000 communities that have signed up to host events and promotions for shoppers this year. According to the company, eight out of 10 consumers aware of the event plan to shop or dine small this weekend.
The Bay County Chamber of Commerce partnered with American Express and five local sponsors to promote Small Business Saturday this year, and led a series of scavenger hunts via social media throughout the week.
Vice president of communications Brittany Cole said this year marks the chamber’s second year promoting the event, and it’s something they intend to continue.
“Most of our chamber members are small businesses,” Cole said. “It’s important to support our friends and neighbors and keep our money here locally.”
Valerie Woods, director of Panama City Main Street, echoed Cole’s comments.
“We’re made up of almost all small business companies down here,” Woods said of the downtown Panama City area. “It’s definitely important for people to get into those small businesses — not just downtown, but any local small business here.”