BOISE — One of the busiest times of the year, the holidays, and more specifically holiday shopping.
As Thanksgiving is quickly approaching, so is Small Business Weekend, which kicks off Fri., Nov. 27 thru Sun., Nov 29.
This weekend is a date our local shops look forward to each year.
“It's one of the busiest weekends we have all year," said Kelsey Miller, co-owner of Shift Boutique. "I hope to still having those interactions and see the friendly faces and getting excited about the holiday season that you typically get."
After many businesses had to close their doors earlier this year because of the pandemic this weekend is huge for our local stores.
"The small Idaho businesses that offer something unique to our customers and so for the holidays and for Small Business Weekend at a time like this, this could be a make or break weekend for many small businesses," said Mat Erpelding, Boise Metro Chamber VP of Government and Community Relations. "We’re talking about millions and millions of dollars and thousands of jobs that all drive our small retail economy.”
Most stores are offering multiple ways to shop this year, whether it's online, early sales or in-person.
“We are really driving e-comers and providing different shopping opportunities for everybody, depending on their comfort level," said Miller. "When we normally wouldn’t have the sale online just because of inventory constraints, we are doing sort of a pre-Black Friday and pre-Small Business Weekend shopping online, so people that don’t want to come into the store or aren’t comfortable can do that but are still able to get the fun amazing deals and then still be open in the store limited capacity and with safety precautions in place.”
“We are flexible," said Pepper Pothier, Salt By Pepper owner. "We have no game plan at this particular point. At this point, the plan changes every day, so if someone wants me to pack up the entire store and drop it off at their house and try it on and give it away for Christmas gifts, I am totally happy to do that whatever people need at this time it helps both of us out.”
To learn more about Small Business Weekend and how you can support our local shops click here.
