Dine and shop with mom-and-pop
A downtown Coeur d’Alene branch of U.S. Bank whiteboard strikes a resounding chord for patronizing small local businesses throughout the year. Many downtown and area businesses will be running promotions, providing refreshments and hosting live entertainment as they welcome visitors this Saturday, which is Small Business Saturday. (Courtesy photo)
With the holiday weekend near and shoppers out and about downtown, Possibilities on Sherman Avenue will offer a wide selection of wines, gifts and home decor for this holiday season. (LOREN BENOIT/Press)
COEUR d’ALENE — Many small, independent, family-owned and local stores have been hard hit, but others are still thriving in a marketplace dominated by big-box stores and retail giants.
That's because of the loyal customers who see the value in supporting the mom-and-pop shops in their communities.
"That's just what makes everything go 'round, the small businesses and keeping it local," said Jill Kausen, owner of Possibilities, a wine and gift shop in downtown Coeur d'Alene.
This weekend, amid the onset of holiday buying madness, shoppers are encouraged to show their local stores some love on Small Business Saturday.
Businesses in communities throughout North Idaho and the U.S. will be running promotions, hosting live entertainment and other attractions as they expect to see a robust turnout of visitors following the busiest shopping day of the year.
Kausen, whose shop carries many Northwest products, said visitors to her store on Saturday will enjoy samples of different food items as they browse.
"We will be vibrant and welcoming to every guest that comes into the store with a big smile on our face, bright and cheery,” she said.
Small Business Saturday was established by American Express in 2010 as a part of the national Shop Small movement to celebrate and support small businesses and restaurants. At that time, independent retailers and eateries were hurting from the recession. In 2013, more than 1,400 individuals and organizations across the nation committed to rallying their communities to host events and activities on Small Business Saturday, and in 2017, that number had grown to more than 7,200.
According to www.americanexpress.com, U.S. consumers have reported spending an estimated $85 billion at small businesses on Small Business Saturdays since the retail holiday's inception.
Deon Borchard, who owns the Long Ear in Coeur d'Alene with husband Terry, said they usually have specials and giveaways during Small Business Saturday.
"Small businesses, the small, local business are what give the flavor to communities, what makes the difference between, say, Coeur d'Alene and Sandpoint," Deon said. "Every town has its own individuality and flavor, and small businesses are what give us our flavor."
"Get out and support the moms and pops, because it is a struggle," Terry said.
Coeur d'Alene Downtown Association events coordinator Emily Boyd said many of the downtown stores will have discounts, drinks or appetizers and live music on Saturday.
"When people shop small, they are supporting their neighbors in their local community," she said. "Plus, you build relationships with store owners who truly care about you and the quality of your shopping experience."