STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Since the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has drastically impacted small businesses, this year’s Small Business Saturday is more important than ever for local entrepreneurs.
According to a recent survey, more than 60% of small businesses said they need to see consumer spending return to pre-COVID levels by the end of this year in order to remain open. For that reason, this year’s Small Business Saturday on Nov. 28 is even more crucial for the Island’s small businesses.
“Be sure to Shop Small and support our local community this holiday season more than ever. So many businesses have been impacted this year,” said Cory Schifter, owner of Casale Jewelers in Dongan Hills. “We can really use the support of our local community. When you shop with a small business, $.86 on every dollar comes right back into our community.”
Small Business Saturday was created in 2010 by American Express to counteract the big-box business of Black Friday.
“As with any small business, the day is important,” said John Brown, owner of the family-owned Port Richmond-based Brownie’s Pro & Sport Hobbies, which will celebrate its 50th anniversary in July 2021.
“I love that people are embracing Small Business Saturday, and American Express is really pushing it. It’s always a good thing,” he added, noting the shop sells a full-line of remote-control cars, boats, helicopters, and dozens of various models.
CREATING UNIQUE RELATIONSHIPS
Debbie Muffaletto knows first-hand that small businesses create unique relationships with their customers. As the owner of Stella’s Secret Door Boutique in Pleasant Plains, she hopes consumers understand the importance of Small Business Saturday.
“I think we’re very important. We’re not owned by a corporation, and we’re just people trying to survive,” she said.
Wicked Stitches in West Brighton specializes in custom gift items and personalized embroidery on a wide range of products. The business, which started in a garage in 2005 and relocated to Castleton Avenue seven years ago, looks forward to Small Business Saturday.
“We already have the store ready for Christmas because we’re finding that people are looking to shop early this year and asking about our Shop Small specials and if we’ll be open and participating,” said co-owner Nancy Nix. “I think for my customers, Small Business Saturday is when they come in to see what I’m doing for the holidays.”
Co-owner of the West Brighton-based Clay & Kiln Studio Kristin Daggan said she also has many items for the holiday season. “You can’t quarantine creativity -- paint in our studio, or take projects home. Ask about pottery-to-go today,” she said. The studio has an array of pottery items to choose from for holiday gifts.
ONLINE STATEN ISLAND STORE
To help consumers patronize small Staten Island businesses this year, the Staten Island Chamber of Commerce will launch Shop Staten Island, a new online store with items from local stores, just in time for Small Business Saturday.
The ability to patronize local businesses online will come in handy if non-essential businesses have to shutter if Staten Island is designated by the state as orange and/or red zones based on the rise of coronavirus cases.
The new site – www.statenisland.shopwhereilive.com – allows Chamber members to create their own personal online storefront, which will contain a business description, pictures, and items for sale.
“The Chamber knows many businesses have changed the way they do business since the COVID-19 pandemic. We hope local businesses take advantage of this new opportunity with Shop Staten Island,” said Linda Baran Staten Island Chamber of Commerce president and CEO. “The Chamber believes that this new online store is a great way for businesses to reach new customers, plus generate revenue during the holiday season and all year long.”
Here are other opportunities for small businesses this Small Business Saturday. They include:
- Signing up for the Staten Island Advance’s Customer Appreciation Program, which supports marketing, advertising, and branding needs by matching qualifying investments on silve.com and the Staten Island Advance to ensure your business is supported into 2021. Contact Dan Ryan at (917) 525-9380 or danryan@siadvance.com to learn more.
- Creating and downloading complimentary, customizable marketing materials to encourage customers to Shop Small with American Express’ Shop Small Studio
- Adding your business listing to the American Express Shop Small Map.
- Registering with NYC & Company’s All In NYC: Neighborhood Getaways, a citywide lineup of offers on attractions, cultural experiences, dining, hotels, museums, shopping and tours. Customers can register their Mastercard and receive statement credits when they shop with a program participant.
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