Small Business Saturday: NEPA Customers Encouraged to Shop Small on November 24th
11.21.2018
Northeastern PA -
This year's Small Business Saturday in Northeastern PA will mark the ninth annual Small Business Saturday, a day that American Express came up with in 2010 to encourage people to shop small and at local businesses.
Greater Pittston Chamber of Commerce Executive Vice President Michelle Mikitish and Administrator/Events Coordinator Brandi Bartush recently made the rounds through the Pittston area delivering American Express marketing materials to businesses including Merle Norman Cosmetic Studio to get ready for Small Business Saturday.
Chropowicki, owner of Merle Norman Cosmetic Studio at 77 S. Main St. in Pittston, said supporting small local businesses helps keep Main Street going.
Her business will offer complimentary facials and makeovers on Small Business Saturday and gift baskets will be available to purchase.
While many people plan to purchase items from online retail giant Amazon or big-box retailers during the holidays, Mikitish encouraged more consumers to shop small and local where they can get personalized service.
“We want to keep our local businesses going,” Mikitish said. “We want to promote our local businesses.”
Bartush said when people shop local, they may be buying a mom and dad the ability to put food on the table and give their daughter dance lessons. “We are constantly striving to put out the message that when you keep it small and local, you help families and keep local jobs in the market,” Bartush said.
A variety of holiday pop-up shops will open in Midtown Village in downtown Wilkes-Barre on Small Business Saturday at 10 a.m. The shops will be open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays throughout the holiday season.
Deals and discounts will be offered at a number of area businesses, including Kevin and Kacy's Ice Cream Shoppe at 41 S. Main St. in Midtown Village. The ice cream shop will be selling $25 gift certificates for $20 and will offer free hot chocolate while it lasts and $3 off cakes and pies.
The F.M. Kirby Center will be the hub of downtown Wilkes-Barre's Small Business Saturday festivities, kicking off the holiday season with the fourth annual Holiday Arts Market, which will be held in the lobby from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., featuring crafts made by local artists.
Other activities include an ornament making station, a coloring table, holiday story time at 1 p.m., a Christmas carol sing-a-long, a tree-lighting ceremony and a visit from Santa. Activities are free.
The classic holiday film “Miracle on 34th Street” will be shown at 2 p.m. and tickets are $3. For more information, call 570-826-1100.
Scranton: Shop Small in Scranton
Scranton Mayor Bill Courtright recently issued a proclamation declaring Saturday, Nov. 24 Small Business Saturday in Scranton to encourage shoppers to support small businesses in the city.
He made the announcement at Scranton City Hall with Scranton Tomorrow and members of the Downtown Scranton Business District.
Scranton Tomorrow has spearheaded downtown Scranton's Small Business Saturday with the City of Scranton since 2011.
This year, more than 50 shops and eateries in downtown Scranton will offer special promotions on Nov. 24, according to Scranton Tomorrow.
Women's clothing boutique The Pink Pedal, which opened earlier this year at 222 Wyoming Ave., is one of the Scranton businesses participating in Small Business Saturday. In addition to clothing, the shop sells shoes, jewelry and accessories.
Lynn Farrell, co-owner of The Pink Pedal, said they will offer deals that day and a surprise raffle.
For updates on Small Business Saturday in Scranton, follow Scranton Tomorrow on Facebook or call 570-963-5901.
