Small businesses contend with shorter shopping season

EAU CLAIRE, Wis. (WEAU) – With just days away from the thick of the holiday shopping season, small businesses contend with a shorter window to get sales going.

“I think more days, up to Christmas, where people are out and shopping is better,” said Becky Guidis, owner of Eevy Ivy Over Floral, Farming and Gifts in Downtown Chippewa Falls.

Thanksgiving is seen as the marker for the shopping season, as Black Friday, Small Business Saturday and Cyber Monday follow it.

A late holiday could create an added challenge for local shops that rely on every dollar made.

“A big chunk of our annual sales come from that small window,” said Matt Pabich with non-profit Downtown Eau Claire Incorporated. “With the shorter window, it definitely affects the access for people to get to us and get to spend money locally.”

A statement from Chippewa Falls Main Street’s Terri Ouimette was made regarding Small Business Saturday:

“We are looking forward to the shopping season for local businesses. Shopping local provides a relaxed shopping experience, and Small firms often carry unique and locally sourced items. It also allows people to directly support their local communities by shopping small, offering a more personal shopping experience with better customer service and a sense of contributing to the local economy.”

A short shopping season is not something Guidis said she is nervous about.

“For small business Saturday, we just keep growing and growing down here in Chippewa Falls,” said Guidis. “It might have a small effect on us, but we have such a close knit community that really supports our downtown.”

Hope is what Lot 3 Mercantile owner Kersten Foster said he has for this shopping season.

“I know this town shows up for local businesses. I’m super grateful for the people that do shop, and the new people that walk through my door every day,” said Foster.

On Small Business Saturday, a holiday themed event hosted by DECI called Haymarket Holiday will take place November 30.

The goal is to get consumers to the several local shops in the Downtown Eau Claire area.

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