Rockford residents urged to shop local for Small Business Saturday

ROCKFORD, Ill. (WIFR) – With holiday shopping underway, small businesses want to remind consumers to think big and shop small. Small businesses in Rockford say Small Business Saturday is a time to benefit the local economy and have a positive impact on the community.

“Making a purchase makes a big difference keeping the small businesses alive every year,” says Stephanie Mains, the owner of Synergy Collective.

Large corporations and online stores started their Black Friday deals days and weeks ago, but local businesses look to the community for support on Small Business Saturday.

“We would love to see people come out and shop small, it’s so tempting to just stay at home in your pajamas and order online all the good Black Friday deals. But we really do a lot here at the small businesses,” says Mains.

And, it’s not just the proximity that gives small businesses a boost. Owners say they bring a more unique shopping experience.

“There’s so many new things just compared to last holiday season to this year so, we have already seen an increase in new customers coming in,” explains Mains.

“It’s got its own personality here,” says Skyler Davis, the owner of Culture Shock Clothing and Records. “Sometimes people are lost, like ‘What do I get for someone?’ That’s where having something locally made or something funny and random can be memorable.”

Christine Lamantia with Roxy Carmichael Boutique says Small Business Saturday and her customers mean a lot to her store’s survival.

“We survived COVID, we survived the recessions and we have done well,” says Lamantia. “It’s because we have good local customers.”

Lamantia is also ready for the holiday rush.

“People start to focus on going downtown for Stroll on State. We will still be open here, but we felt it would be very fun to present ourself at Stroll on State also,” explains Lamantia.

But, this holiday season, small business owners want to remind consumers to not only shop small, but eat small to support locally owned restaurants, bakeries and coffee shops.

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