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Better late than never? Erie Small Business Saturday events postponed again

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Better late than never? Erie Small Business Saturday events postponed again

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Small Business Saturday might or might not mean anything to the casual shopper. But the day is intended to increase awareness of small, locally owned shops and restaurants at the holiday season.

It gives small business owners a platform from which to catch the attention of holiday gifters after Black Friday, which is geared toward the big box retailers and chain restaurants.

This year, that platform, which small businesses stock up for, was buried in 4 feet of snow in a freakish lake-effect storm. That extra stock, be it merchandise, food or beverages, usually disappears throughout the weekend, as business-owners’ coffers are filled with enough revenue to keep them open throughout the season. Instead, this year, heeding officials’ pleas to stay off the roads and shelter in place from the storm, those shoppers hunkered down at home, leaving that stock on the shelves, and, if it was food, tossed out. Small businesses had to close on what they’d hoped might be one of the biggest days of the year, even as their bills are piling up as fast as the snow.

Third time’s the charm

The city of Erie, which had elaborate plans for Small Business Saturday, is going to try to reboot the spirit of the day Dec. 14, the second postponement.

“The vendor portion of our Miracle on State Street event will be postponed again to next Saturday, Dec. 14,” organizer David Tamulonis, of the Erie Downtown Partnership, said in a news release. “With vendors coming in from all over the region, we felt it was best to give (the city) one more week to prepare streets, parking spaces and sidewalks to accommodate their loading and unloading, foot traffic, and other activities.

“Stay tuned for more info about a huge holiday weekend next weekend with Downtown d’Lights, Gallery Night, and Miracle on State Street,” Tamulonis said.

In the meantime, though, small retailers are still going to be open for business this Saturday.

“While we have again moved the vendor portion of our Miracle on State Street event, we are focusing on our downtown shops and restaurants that will be open again for business tomorrow,” Tamulonis said Friday. “If it is safe for you to make it downtown for a snowy holiday shopping adventure, we highly recommend a visit.”

He listed many city-based shops that plan to be open both Saturday and Dec. 14 and for the remaining holiday shopping season:

  • Glass Growers Gallery (celebrating its 50th anniversary),
  • The Dollhouse at Pointe Foure Boutique (hosting Ladies’ Night with Flagship City District),
  • Copper Carriage,
  • Flagship City Food Hall,
  • Ember and Forge,
  • City Supply,
  • Floral Gallery,
  • Five Iron Golf,
  • Purrista Cat Café,
  • Bakery on Fifth,
  • Ye Ole Sweet Shoppe,
  • Voodoo Brewery,
  • Primo Tailoring

“Our downtown businesses have already lost one important weekend and could really use support from now until the holidays,” he said.

Window shopping

Also part of the fun is an ongoing window decorating contest including 15 downtown storefronts. Shoppers are encouraged to find a QR code in participating storefronts to vote for their favorites.

Candidates in the contest include: Five Iron Golf, Flagship City Food Hall, Glass Growers Gallery, Purrista Cat Café, Copper Carriage, ASCEND Erie, City Supply, Voodoo Brewing Co., Primo Tailoring, FEED MEDIA ART CENTER, The Dollhouse at Pointe Foure Boutique, 1020 Collective, Ye Ole Sweet Shoppe, Ember + Forge, Bakery On 5th and Women’s Care Center of Erie County Inc.

Tamulonis also stressed that with more snow in the forecast, shoppers should keep an eye on the weather.

“Safety is again our primary concern,” he said. “Our Safety and Hospitality Ambassadors are still working to clear sidewalks and prepare downtown for our next week of holiday activities. Keep an eye on social media for more updates and information.”

Presque Isle Gallery & Gift Shop

Also rescheduled from Saturday to Dec. 14 is an open house at the Presque Isle Gallery gift shop. The open house will include 40 local artists, music, snacks and beverages. Admission is free and the event runs from 5 to 9 p.m.

“Due to the ongoing weather alerts and the safety of our staff, artists and guests we have decided to postpone our holiday open house this weekend,” said Anthony Perino, director of operations for the Tom Ridge Environmental Center Foundation. “Thank you for your continued support, we look forward to welcoming guests at the new date … to celebrate the season and all things local.”

Contact Jennie Geisler at jgeisler@timesnews.com. Find her weekly newsletter at https://profile.goerie.com/newsletters/erielicious/.

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