Mom And Pop Shops See Big Sales On Small Business Saturday
LODI (CBS13) – The beautiful sounds of carolers on this holiday mixed with a little bit of the sweet sound of business made for a pretty good Saturday in Lodi.
Shoppers were looking for big deals in small places, hoping to energize the small business community.
For Janis O'Brien, she avoided Black Friday but made sure to come out on Saturday.
"I'm an online shopper, but I came out for the music, food, local faces," O'Brien said.
O'Brien says it was a successful shopping day.
"I'm going for shoes, cards, to boots, to frames," O'Brien said.
Speaking of frames, Julie McKinley – owner of McKinley Frame Shop – says she's loving the foot traffic.
"Just one person after the next, several at a time," McKinley said. "Sold six original pieces off the wall."
On top of the special promotions, customers enjoyed special treats as they browsed the store – and even got to enjoy some entertainment.
For small businesses, this day is probably the largest shopping day of the year.
"It's wonderful. It sets us small businesses apart," McKinley said. "We're the heartbeat of America."
Even Governor Jerry Brown is urging Californians to do at least some of their Christmas shopping at small local businesses.
Over 30 local shops in Lodi participated.