Maybe it’s not as well known as Black Friday, but Small Business Saturday set on the following day gives small businesses a chance to shine.

Local businesses, likewise, are getting ready for what they hope will be a prosperous day.

Paige Hervey, owner of The Collection in Groves on Lincoln Avenue, said her store is running specials on Pandora and Verna Bradley jewelry. They also have extra discounts on sales merchandise.

“It’s (Small Business Saturday) always one of our busiest days. Black Friday is a big deal for the big boxes,” she said.

Hervey said she recently received a letter from American Express and they said they will double the reward points at small businesses through Christmas.

“American Express has been a wonderful advocate for Small Business Saturday,” she said.

Hervey said they have been selling much Pandora jewelry since they’re the only dealer in Jefferson County. They’ve also been selling Christmas décor.

December is our Super Bowl (in the jewelry business). This is what we work for most of the year. Mother’s Day weekend is another busy one. We’ve added staff and we’ve added merchandise.”

Every election year, retail businesses suffer until the election is over because people aren’t sure how things will turn out, she said.

“All small businesses need the people to come out and support them. This includes restaurants, gift shops. It’s so important if we want them to stay open,” she said.

First there was Black Friday, then Cyber Monday, according to the Small Business Administration website.

“November 27, 2010 was the first-ever Small Business Saturday. Small Business Saturday is the day we celebrate the Shop Small movement to drive shoppers to local merchants across the U.S.,” it read.
The definition of a small business is an independently owned and operated company that is limited in size and in revenue depending on the industry. A local bakery that employs 10 people is an example of a small business. A manufacturing facility that employees less than 500 people is an example of a small business.

Chris Miller with Fred Miller’s Unique Gifts in Nederland, said they have been selling Christmas decorations, clothing, toys — a mixture of everything.

“I hope we’re busy on Saturday,” he said. “We’ve been busy today (Friday). We got some visitors from out of town who used to live here.”

Diana LaBorde, president/CEO of the Nederland Chamber of Commerce, said there are coupons for Saturday in the Shop Nederland tab of The Port Arthur News.

Ronnie Boneau, executive manager of the Groves Chamber of Commerce, said businesses have been gearing up for Small Business Saturday.

“I heard now the elections are over, people are ready to start shopping. I hope that’s true for local small business,” he said.

David Ball: 409-721-2427