Local retailers gear-up for Small Business Saturday amid tough economy

FRANKLIN, MASS — It’s an annual tradition our Main Streets rely on, and local retailers are hoping for a big turnout for Small Business Saturday.

After a busy Black Friday, mom-and-pop shops are hoping people have more shopping left in their systems to spend some money Saturday.

“I’m always excited about business,” said Betsey Jenney, owner of a boutique in her name. “I’m always excited about new people, new things, new products, new ideas, and Small Business Saturday gives us a chance to maybe show more people what we have to offer, and that is really exciting.”

The Retailers Association of Massachusetts is made up of 4,000 retailers and restaurants.

RAM predicts a 10% increase in local holiday shopping sales based upon a survey of their membership. That prediction is slightly higher than the national projections of 6-8% by the National Retail Federation.

“A projected 10% sales increase over prior year leaves little margin for error or increased profitability given the 8% inflation rate” RAM President Jon Hurst said. “”With inflation eroding the purchasing power of our consumers and the margins of small businesses, it is more important than ever that we all work harder to protect, promote, and preserve our Main Streets and our important local shopping districts.”

RAM members said the four biggest challenges they anticipate this holiday season are inflation, declining profits due to higher costs of goods versus sales, staffing shortages and inventory shortages and delays.

“I think it’s very important [to support small businesses]”, said Joe Smith, of Franklin. “I just think the quality of service is on a whole other level at the smaller shops.”

Analysts report stores can bring-in between 20-30% of their total annual sales during the holiday shopping season, so this time of year is extremely important for them.

Small Business Saturday isn’t just about shopping small – it’s about eating small, too.

Local eateries try to separate themselves by providing a high level of quality and service.

“We do personalized service,” said Federico Salvador, owner of Birchwood Bakery + Kitchen in Franklin. “Most of our guests are regular. We know them by name, and they know us by name, and we offer that extra touch of attention to every single guest.”

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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