Chestnut Hill retailers celebrate Small Business Saturday
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) – On Saturday, people across the country are expected to hit the streets for Small Business Saturday. After Black Friday, small retailers hope for customers to shop locally.
CBS3 was on Germantown Avenue in Chestnut Hill, a street lined with locally owned businesses. Laurel Hill Gardens, for example, sell Christmas trees, plants and other stuff throughout the year.
Retailers expect to see higher profits this holiday season than last year. It's also estimated that this year, more gift buyers are likely to shop on Small Business Saturday than they are on Black Friday.
Courtney O'Neil, the executive director of the Chestnut Hill Business District, is looking forward to a day of amplifying small businesses.
"We represent over 200 businesses and service industry and restaurants. We have gift shops, lot of art galleries. Chestnut Hill is famous for some of their art galleries, and we have a 100-year-old hardware store," O'Neil said.
O'Neil also says it is a family-friendly space to spend Small Business Saturday with lots of parents and their children strolling up and down Germantown Avenue.
It is a great place to find the perfect gift for anyone's list at a wide range of different price points.
The emphasis of Small Business Saturday is on supporting retailers who are deeply embedded in the Chestnut Hill community. French bakery owner Arthur de Bruc who opened Matines Cafe three weeks ago is thankful for the residents of Chestnut Hill who visit him regularly to satisfy their caffeine and sweet needs.
Experts say inflation will play a major role in how shoppers will tackle the holiday season.
Saturday, small businesses are banking on drawing shoppers away from big-box retailers. This is despite not being able to offer the same deep Black Friday discounts.
Even though the products may be pricier, some shoppers say buying from mom-and-pop shops is worth it.
Analysts say even if prices are up this holiday season, that doesn't always mean profits are up as well. They say small business owners are likely dealing with higher costs to keep their doors open.
There's much more going on Saturday than just shopping. From noon to 3 p.m., Santa will be strolling up and down Germantown Avenue and families can enjoy a free horse-drawn carriage ride, as well as holiday carolers.