Houston County supports Small Business Saturday

Not only were shoppers out and about Saturday looking for great deals, but they were also supporting small, local businesses.

According to Catherine Edgemon, Perry Main Street coordinator, Small Business Saturday is downtown Perry’s second observance, which is a partnership between the Perry Downtown Merchants Association (PDMA) and Perry Main Street Advisory Board. Perry Mayor James E. Faircloth Jr. issued a proclamation recognizing Small Business Saturday during the Nov. 15 council meeting.

American Express launched Small Business Saturday on Nov. 27, 2010, encouraging people across the country to support small, local businesses. In 2011, the U.S. Senate officially recognized the day.

While shopping at Village Boutique in downtown Perry Saturday morning, Donna Smith and Ginger Johnson, both of Cochran, said this was their first time shopping at the business. Smith said they became interested after recently seeing some of owner Dianna Hall’s merchandise at the Georgia National Fair.

They agreed that Hall’s prices are cheaper than a lot of places they’ve been to.

Smith, who knows the importance of supporting at small businesses, said her husband, Earl, owns a local business, Earl Service Center, in Cochran.

Also shopping at Village Boutique were Lynda Noles and Glenda Vallely, both of Perry.

“I love this place,” Noles said.

Vallely said shopping local is good for the local economy, and it’s a great opportunity to see people she knows in the community.

Noles added it’s a great opportunity to also take advantage of some great sales and deals.

Hall said she opened her shop at 9 a.m. but had people waiting outside when she and her employees arrived to work at 8 a.m. She said they stayed late the night before to restock the entire shop with new products.

With her being in business for two and a half years, Hall said support of small businesses is what keeps her doors open and prices low.

“We have the best prices in the market because of customers supporting local businesses,” she said. “It’s about giving our customers the best deal.”

She added, “We love the hometown, downtown feel. We appreciate the support that we get.”

While shopping at Two of a Kind in downtown Perry, Josh and Brittany Waters of Perry said they were glad to see the downtown area doing well.

Vickie Banker of Perry, shopping with her daughter, Andrea Banker, said their Saturday outing was a chance to visit stores they don’t usually go into. She said shopping during this time every year is a Christmas tradition for them.

Also, Bradley and Ashley Bennett of Perry said they like to support local businesses, while also getting some shopping done.

Two of a Kind employee Jessica Swartz said they had been busy since opening up at 10 a.m. She said having a small business is hard and having the support of the community is important. She said they appreciate customers getting their name out there.

“We love being in Perry,” Swartz said.

Alicia McMurrian is the owner of Two of a Kind and has been in business for two and a half years.

At Brannen Outfitters, employees Ashley Cadenhead, Matt Davis and Dalton Gibson and assistant manager Josh Jenkins agreed that supporting small businesses helps to promote the community and keeps the money within the community. Jenkins noted they get to know their customers on a personal level.

Customer Nicole Robbins of Perry and her daughter, Anna Shae Robbins, said they shop regularly at Brannen Outfitters. Patti Sloan from Jupiter, Florida, who was stopping through while traveling with her boyfriend, said Brannen Outfitters was a nice shop.

Brannen Outfitters is owned by Jarrod Brannen.

Bryan Isgett of Perry and his son, McGee Isgett, were searching for hunting clothes while at the Sports Center. Bryan said shopping small is important to keep the local economy going.

“It’s our lifeblood,” he said.

Employee Matt Watson said national chains are bringing in more competitions. He said shopping at small businesses keeps jobs in the local economy. Charles Ayer is the owner of the Sports Center.

Sam Satterfield, owner of Satterfield and Dempsey Jewelers in Warner Robins, said Saturday, “We always try to do special things this time of the year. We have a Pandora event going on where you spend $125, you get a free bracelet. Then, we have all of our diamond jewelry from 30 to 50 percent off. There are a number of counters that are 50 percent off, just different sales throughout the store. Our jeweler is here today trying to size rings while folks wait and purchase things.”

Commenting on the importance of shopping local, he said, “In our community, we have enough businesses around that are locally owned. If you really think about it, there’s really not any need for someone to go anywhere else. By keeping the money and everything local, it not only helps out me but it helps out the customer. If they buy something from me and have any problems, bring it back and I’ll take care of it, whereas if you travel to Atlanta, Macon or wherever, if it doesn’t fit or whatever, chances are you have to go all the way back there. Shopping local helps our community out. It helps all the businesses; it’s just a lot more convenient.”

Satterfield said what makes them stand out from the big box stores is, “Our customer service by far. We specialize in diamonds and engagement rings. We do everything here in the store. The chain stores, you know, if you purchase something from them, you’re looking at a minimum of two weeks to get it sized, whereas here sometimes we can do same day or by a day or two.”

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