Local Retailers Looking Forward To Small Business Saturday
Nov 23, 2018, 8:10 PM | Updated: Nov 26, 2018, 7:38 am
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Black Friday is all about long lines and crowds, except for when it’s not any of those things.
At independent shop The Tutoring Toy, 1400 Foothill Drive, No. 108, Salt Lake City, Black Friday comes one day later. Small Business Saturday is the real kickoff to the holiday season for mom and pop shops.
“I am a corporate drop out,” Bill Sartain laughed from behind the cash register. “I started this business 30 years ago. I have loved coming to work everyday knowing what we sell, in this store, will make someone smile every single day.”
The toy store didn’t see outrageous crowds for Black Friday. Casey Sartain, Bill’s son and the vice president of The Tutoring Toy, said Small Business Saturday is the day they see the real crowds.
“That will really get the juices flowing,” he said. “We are going to do a LEGO Build, lines will be out the door, and business will be huge.”
For The Tutoring Toy in Salt Lake City, the real kickoff to the holiday season comes on Small Business Saturday.
Casey Sartain said small businesses have a thriving factor that big box stores can’t replicate.
“Watching Toys R’ Us crumble has kept us on our toes,” he said. “It has affected us on the back end of how we order and what we buy. We are passionate about bringing memorable toys to our customers.”
He noted that small businesses are going to offer something extra that’s lost in the shuffle of bigger businesses.
“Large corporations have to ask themselves: What fits into a container?” Casey Sartain said. “What ships direct from China? What can go to our warehouse? They are limited in that. But if someone comes in and asks for something specific, I can go in the back, call and order it today, and it can be here in a week.”
“That has allowed us to be more creative,” he added.
Those in line at The Tutoring Toy on Black Friday said they visit the shop because of the hometown feel, complimentary gift wrapping, and the desire to keep dollars in their communities.
“I feel good knowing our money is staying here locally,” Laura Lincoln said while she picked out LEGO bricks with her two sons. “They have a great selection, and supporting my community is important to me.”
Now in its ninth year, the retail holiday brought in $13 billion last year.
