Hubbard answers Black Friday with Small Business Saturday

By Sarah Lehr

slehr@vindy.com

HUBBARD

On a national scale, there’s Black Friday, Cyber Monday and even Giving Tuesday.

In response to the chaos of Black Friday – which now begins as early as Thanksgiving Day for many chains – local businesses are promoting Small Business Saturday.

For many businesses along Hubbard’s North Main Street, the Saturday after Thanksgiving is a boon. The day coincides with Hubbard’s holiday parade, which begins at 5 p.m. at the Municipal Building and features Santa Claus as its guest of honor.

For 3rd Ward Councilwoman Lisha Baumiller, who has chaired Hubbard’s Economic Development Committee for the past 14 years, supporting small businesses is a personal passion.

“I commend anyone who follows their dreams,” Baumiller said. “People talk about opening a business or a restaurant, but never do it. It takes a leap of faith to go into businesses for yourself.”

Baumiller, who said she frequents both big-box chain stores and locally owned businesses, noted that though small businesses lack the extensive inventory of large corporations, the local haunts have their own appeal.

Jim Carsone, a Hubbard native who owns Downtown Coffee Cafe, said local restaurants can offer convenience and personalization.

Like many other Hubbard businesses, the cafe will capitalize on holiday shopping by offering promotions between Thanksgiving and Christmas. The cafe will offer $5 with the purchase of a $25 gift card and is selling specialized items such as a Jingle Bell Java blend.

Just down the street from the cafe, Spiech’s Mens and Boys Wear is preparing for Christmas shoppers. Owner Richard Spiech, who inherited the 57-year-old family business, says speciality stores like his have access to merchandise that can be difficult to find anywhere else. For the holiday season, he recommends items for sale at Spiech’s, including reversible sweaters by Alex Cannon and button-down shirts by Brandolini.

Kathleen Abend, who opened Flutterby Books Ltd. in 2013, says her business “pretty much relies” on Small Business Saturday. Flutterby Books will offer 20 percent off entire purchases on Black Friday and Small Business Saturday.

Though book-sellers must compete with giants such as Amazon.com, Abend says there’s still a demand for stores like hers.

“People tell me all the time that they still love the feel of a book, the smell of a book,” Abend said. “Every town should have its own bookstore.”