WORCESTER, Mass. — Local businesses in Worcester took advantage of this weekend’s holiday rush as part of Small Business Saturday. The initiative was created in 2010 by credit card company American Express in hopes of getting more people to shop local.
Art supply store CC Lowell held a special shopping event to commemorate the day. Shop owners say this is a critical time for business.
“We want them to come shop,” said owner Kristen Sciascia. “We want them to come here. We want all the local businesses in Worcester to come. It’s important and it’s about keeping Worcester moving. It’s about keeping the money here in the city. And that’s what we need. But like I said, I think, ‘You know, we want business and we need business. I work to protect the people who live here. “
The Massachusetts Retailers Association predicts local holiday sales will increase 1.5% this year.
