The day after Black Friday is “Small Business Saturday.” This day is set aside to support Tahlequah’s local shops and restaurants, keep taxes in the community, and provide jobs for residents.
Officially, the day began in 2010 and was introduced by American Express to show and highlight support for local small businesses. This was to offset the impact of large and chain companies.
The American Express website states that “Shop Small” has grown into a year-round movement supporting small businesses around the world, with reported sales exceeding $200 billion.
The Tahlequah Area Chamber of Commerce’s Facebook page states, “Shopping local in your area has many benefits for your community and for you personally.” “Show your love for Tahlequah by supporting local businesses.”
Kimberly Butler, owner of Kimberly’s Prom and Bridal Boutique, said business begets business. Butler said he has gained a lot from his 40 years in business in Tahlequah and works closely with fellow store owners around his store on Muskogee Avenue.
“In our little area here in town, June’s Closet, Meig’s Jewelry, Felt Shoes, and Vivid Salon & Boutique. We support each other,” Butler said. “We try to talk among ourselves and meet from time to time to keep this downtown thriving.”
Butler said she considers the shop window to be a gateway to Tahlequah.
“We try to reflect what’s going on, including the holiday season,” Butler said. “[People]may not be interested in buying a formal wear gown, but I think it will take them downtown. And we’re going to change the menu[of local restaurants]. We keep a written book so when people ask where they can eat, they can see the menus (of local restaurants).”
Billy Kissinger, manager of Tahlequah Lumber Company, said it’s very important to support the places where people live.
“We all live in the same community and we all try to thrive within it,” Kissinger said. “Keeping our money local and keeping our taxes local obviously improves everything around us, like our streets and our schools. And it’s your neighbors, so support them. Why not give them the help they need?”
Kissinger said the community’s financial support is helping Tahlequah Lumber stay in business and keep its employees employed.
Drew Felts of Felts Shoes said small businesses make up the bulk of the tax dollars that support the town.
“The majority of the spending stays in the city versus going to Tulsa and the money stays there,” Felts said.
When businesses sponsor sports, high school and college events, they’re supporting the entire town, he said.
Junie’s Closet owner Christy Eubanks supports the town in many ways, one of which is organizing the annual Red Fern Festival pageant.
“This year, Small Business Saturday will be open until late and we are hosting “Meet the Sugar Plum Fairy” in partnership with “The Nutcracker” Encore Performing Society.” Eubanks said. “This year, we will basically be holding a ‘Pop Up Princess’ event, except for the Sugar Plum Fairy.”
Eubanks said it’s a “perfect example” of how small businesses engage with nonprofits and community children.
“When you support small businesses, you’re not only supporting them, but you’re also supporting their families and all the communities they support,” Eubanks said.
Events like Ladies Night Out encourage the community to support small businesses and give those stores an opportunity to show their appreciation for the community by shopping local.
“Small businesses bring communities together, like last week’s Ladies Night Out,” said Abby Hale, designer of A Bloom Flowers and Gifts. “I live in Stillwell and it’s great to see everyone come together here and be able to have an event. Hundreds of people came through. I’ve never experienced something like that before. I reached my goal in 2 hours.
