Area urged to ‘Shop Small’ Saturday

While some probably have been unintentionally participating for years, this year will mark the fifth organized Small Business Saturday in Crowley.
Area merchants are once again excited to offer deals to those who aren’t shopped-out from Black Friday and/or want to support the local economy.
“It’s another great opportunity to give back to this community,” said Crowley Chamber President/CEO Amy Thibodeaux in a news release.
“Small businesses are the backbone of our local economies. What better way to say thanks for having your business here than shopping at these great establishments?”
Officially created by American Express in 2010, Small Business Saturday is a day dedicated to the “mom and pop stores” across the country on the Saturday after Thanksgiving.
In a time of large box stores, global markets and capitalism, small businesses are often left to the wayside, making events like Small Business Saturday all the more important.
Thus, Crowley Main Street and the Crowley Chamber of Commerce have continued to make a concerted effort to push the event and, for the second year running, many will be participating in Crowley’s growing Historic Main Street (Parkerson Avenue) project.
For some, there will be sales; others are inviting the community to take photos with Santa, write letters to St. Nick and other fun activities; and still others are just opening their doors for the community to get in an extra day of shopping.
The list of businesses participating also continues to grow for Crowley, an encouraging and welcome sign for economic leaders in Crowley. And the businesses also extend past that historic strip of Crowley. Participating businesses may display “Shop Small” signs in their windows, and a list of participants will be available on the chamber website at www.CrowleyChamber.com as well as on the chamber’s Facebook page.
Listed participants this year include Serendipite Home Decor, Carmichael’s Cashway Pharmacy, Plush Petals Flowershop, The Gallery (Crowley Art Association), Bella Rain Boutique, Boutique Forty-Six, The Classy Closet, Rice City Designs, Le Chic Chien, Adam’s Apple & Gifts, Huval’s Boot & Shoe Repair, Salvador’s Jewelers & Gifts, Louisiana Church Interiors, Ray’s Gift’s & Interiors, Gail’s Gifts, Bier’s Pharmacy, Shabby to Chic Salon & Boutique, Crowley Rice Capital Flower, La Spiaggia Day Spa & Salon, Gremillion’s Drug Store, Landry’s Feed Store, Brandt’s Jewelry, Marlene’s Sewing / Tiny Toe’s, Modern Music Center, H&R Block, 2nd Time Around, Ruddock’s Bakery, Cramer Equipment and Supply, Debra’s Hair Salon, Baby Faces and Hair, Tanning & Beyond.
To learn more about each store’s sales and offers, visit them Saturday.
Several of the stores also have various events occurring throughout the day. Plush Petals Flowershop is offering photos with Santa from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and H&R Block is offering children the chance to take photos and visit with Santa from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Bella Rain Boutique is inviting families to bring their children throughout the day as children can write, color and mail their letters to the North Pole on location. Le Chic Chien has a special surprise for kids who stop by.
Hair, Tanning & Beyond is planning to help decorate Main Street’s sidewalks, letting children draw their favorite snowman on the sidewalks as well as offering free photos with Santa.
Small business owners can learn more about taking part in Small Business Saturday and download free marketing materials on www.ShopSmall.com. Consumers can also visit the site to find small merchants to shop at on Small Business Saturday.