Small Business Saturday offers local shopping deals
Trending
ELKINS -- The Friday after Thanksgiving is heralded as the biggest shopping day across the United States, with "Black Friday" gaining legendary status over the years.
In order to help local communities and their small businesses during this time of year that is crucial to their existence, concerned consumers are also urged to shop locally one day later, on "Small Business Saturday."
Founded in 2010, SBS has become an important part of small businesses' busiest shopping season. Is it estimated that $23.3 billion was spent at small businesses and restaurants during the special Saturday in 2022.
Close to two-thirds of each dollar spent at local businesses is put back into the community to benefit schools, local clubs, the infrastructure and to create new jobs. By comparison, less than half of each dollar spent in national chains goes back to the community, on average, officials said.
One popular area small businesses offering special deals this Saturday is Serendipity, which is located on the Beverly Five Lane in Elkins.
Store manager Holly Elbon said this particular day of the year is very important for the business.
"That's our bread and butter day," she said. "Both Friday and Saturday are both pretty busy days for us, especially with us being one of the only gift stores in town. Those two days are how we make our money. This is the time of the year that helps us get through the slow times."
Elbon said sales will be ongoing throughout the store over the weekend, with big discounts on brands such as Vera Bradley and Pandora Jewelry. As far as toys go, she expects the Elf on the Shelf to be a hot item, along with the new Melissa and Doug toys.
Another local business to check out in downtown Elkins is the Elkins Sewing Center, which has brought quilting and sewing inspiration to the area for over 40 years.
The store is located in the heart of downtown Elkins on the corner of Third Street and Davis Avenue. Whether you're brand new to sewing, a machine embroidery whiz or a hand-quilting expert, the Elkins Sewing Center has something for everyone, including seasonal fabrics, brand new notions and the latest embroidery designs.
While visiting the Elkins Sewing Center, venture next door to Fancy Paws on Third Street. The business is a small, upscale dog grooming salon and boutique that carries a wide variety of unique dog and cat supplies, including grain-free foods and treats.
For those who get hungry while out shopping on Saturday, two locally owned establishments, the Steer Steakhouse and Southern Kitchen WV are both located on the Beverly Five Lane.
The Steer has been a staple of the community for many years and is known for its daily buffet and delicious steaks. The restaurant offers both menu and buffet items for customers.
Southern Kitchen WV, meanwhile, is a new restaurant in Elkins that is co-owned by two local women and community driven. It offers private dining, take out or, coming soon, delivery.
The restaurant features an array of meals and sides including BBQ chicken, fried pork chops, pot roast, meatloaf, macaroni and cheese, collard greens, garlic mashed potatoes and much more.
Another must-see place is the Beverly Heritage Center, which combines four historic buildings in the center of downtown Beverly. Learn all about the Battle of Rich Mountain and the First Campaign of the American Civil War while at the location, and see what daily life was like in a small rural county seat through the 19th Century.
While at the BHC, pick up a gift at the center's gift shop that features Civil War books, t-shirts, hats, locally sourced and produced food products, children's toys, and BHC banded souvenirs.
Another place to pick up some gifts over the weekend is the 39th annual Christmas Craft Show at the Randolph County Armory on Corridor H. The show will be offered on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Many of the same artists and crafters that have been attending the show for years will be on hand selling items, as will many new vendors. Thousands of shoppers attend this event each year.