Small Business Saturday Yields Mixed Results

Last weekend was the second annual Small Business Saturday, a national event launched in 2010 by American Express to promote local businesses in the wake of the big box chaos created by Black Friday.

But, was the push to shop local effective for Rosemount’s small business owners?

“I saw no impact,” said Peter Terry, owner of .

Terry didn’t offer any specials for the event and saw no evidence that Small Business Saturday effected sales. 

“There seemed to be no call for it,” said Lynette Staffer, owner of .

Staffer’s business relies largely on a base of loyal, long-term clients. Offering one-time deals for Small Business Saturday didn’t comply with her business model, because she doesn’t own a traditional retail store. Nevertheless, Staffer said she may offer a Small Business Saturday gift certificate promotion in the future to kick off the holiday season.

While Terry and Staffer did not profit from Small Business Saturday, at least one business in Rosemount benefitted from the event.

“We loved it and the customers loved it,” said Catherine Snyder, owner/manager of .

The occasional shop, which is only open the third Thursday-Sunday of every month, opened specifically for Small Business Saturday. Sales last weekend were better for Snyder than on a typical day.

Snyder plans to take part in Small Business Saturday again next year and hopes to organize an event surrounding the day, rather than simply opening her doors when they’d normally be closed.

“It just gives people the opportunity to recognize and realize what’s in their own community,” said Snyder.