(Photo by Michelle Dillon) A sign outside Thread Boutique on Front Street encourages shoppers to buy local and shop at small businesses on Saturday as part of Small Business Saturday. I am. Threadz is one of the Marietta businesses participating in Small Business Saturday offering special deals and promotions.
(Photo by Michelle Dillon) Ravenswood resident and woodturner Larry Weese Jr. (left) works as part of the Parkersburg Art Center’s Artist Market and Saturday Small Business Saturday. Showing one of his pieces to Belpre resident Tammy Meek at the Holiday Open House.
(Photo by Michelle Dillon) Darla Bonnet, owner of Threadz Boutique, straightens her merchandise as shoppers browse the store during Small Business Saturday.
(Photo by Michelle Dillon) Ravenswood resident and woodturner Larry Weese Jr. (left) works as part of the Parkersburg Art Center’s Artist Market and Saturday Small Business Saturday. Showing one of his pieces to Belpre resident Tammy Meek at the Holiday Open House.
On Saturday, residents of the Mid-Ohio Valley and surrounding areas had an opportunity to show their support for local small businesses.
Small Business Saturday was started by American Express in 2010 to celebrate the contributions of small businesses to their communities and give people an opportunity to support small businesses by shopping there.
The Parkersburg Art Center has been hosting open houses, artist markets and holiday open houses for at least 18 years, managing director Jesse Seifert said. It is now done in conjunction with Small Business Saturday as a way to help artists make a living from their craft.
“This is a great way to highlight the creative talent we have in this region.” Seifert said.
The event featured 16 art vendors setting up tables and selling merchandise including paintings, art prints, baked goods, jewelry, decorative items and more.
(Photo by Michelle Dillon) Darla Bonnet, owner of Threadz Boutique, straightens her merchandise as shoppers browse the store during Small Business Saturday.
Seifert said attendees were free to attend and had the opportunity to shop at the art center’s gift shop, which features more than 70 artist items.
The art center also took the opportunity to unveil a total of 18 artist trees designed and decorated in the style of famous artists by volunteers. They held a scavenger hunt to help kids learn about these artists, and there was also hot cocoa, coffee and cookies, she said.
Events like this are important because “It helps draw attention to the art center and gift shop.” And that will help support all programming at the center, Seifert said.
Ravenswood resident Larry Weese Jr. has been a woodturner for 18 years and sells his work in the art center’s gift shop, but this will be his first time participating in the Artist Market and Holiday Open House. He said it was his first time.
Weese said his handmade pieces take more than a year to complete.
(Photo by Michelle Dillon) A sign outside Thread Boutique on Front Street encourages shoppers to buy local and shop at small businesses on Saturday as part of Small Business Saturday. I am. Threadz is one of the Marietta businesses participating in Small Business Saturday offering special deals and promotions.
Attend events like artist markets and holiday open houses “He will help with sales.” Weese said. “It also helps people connect faces to what’s in the gift shop. You can tell the story behind the piece.
“It was good.” he told about the incident. “There’s been a good flow. … I’m happy.”
Belpre resident Tammy Meek and Little Hocking resident Gabby Dye attended the event for the first time Saturday.
“It’s really amazing.” Dai said. “We’re excited to see the real thing. …We love seeing handmade items.”
“It’s a beautiful thing.” Meek said of the artist’s work: “I love art.”
Marietta businesses also participated in Small Business Saturday, including Threadz Boutique on Front Street.
Threadz is offering 15% off on $100 purchases and buy-one-get-one-half off jewelry, said Threadz owner Darla Bonet. Customers who purchased a $50 gift card received a free $10 gift card, and with every purchase, customers received a free gift, she said. She said she could choose between a tote bag with hand sanitizer or a sock and bathtub burst.
Bonnett said he has been attending the small business every Saturday for the past six and a half years since he opened the store.
She said the store was on Saturday “Very busy” and business was being done “It’s very stable.”
“Today was a lot of fun.” Mr. Bonnet said.
Events like Small Business Saturday “Very important” For her business.
“No matter what event…they’re all so important. They can make or break your month.” Ms. Bonnet said.
Small Business Saturday will help prepare stores for the slow season from January to March, she said.
“Marietta and the surrounding area is a great community that is very supportive.” Ms. Bonnet said. “They keep us alive.”
Jean Brewer, a St. Mary’s resident, was walking down Front Street carrying shopping bags on Saturday afternoon with her daughter, Jenny Brewer, also of St. Mary’s.
“It’s great…We want to support this area.” Jan Brewer said. “Businesses are passionate about giving back to the community, and we want to give back to them.”
Jenny Brewer said people must support small businesses.
“It’s nice to see that coming back to the people I see working so hard every day.” she said.
