LOMPOC, Calif. - The city of Lompoc is looking to get holiday shoppers to spread the love to local small businesses beyond the busiest shopping day of the year. It's part of the city's involvement with the national push for Small Business Saturday.
With many small businesses doing everything they can to stay afloat, having a day that emphasizes shopping local has some businesses jumping on the opportunity to build repeat customers.
Sue Manning owns her own retail shop in the heart of downtown Lompoc. Sue's Place has been open for over 15 years but the recent recession forced Sue and her staff to work harder than ever to stay open.
"We are working extra hard," says Manning. "We are putting in a lot more hours. We've done a lot more advertising."
Sue's Place is one of the many small businesses in Lompoc participating in Small Business Saturday on the 24th. The businesses, with help from the Lompoc Valley Chamber of Commerce, are offering promotions in their stores as well as discounts and even food to entice people to shop locally.
Sue says the event could help in changing some shoppers' views on local businesses.
"It's going to show our local people just exactly we have to offer," says Manning. "I know I'll go in a store sometimes here in town and I'll be surprised at what they carry."
Sue hopes the turnout on Saturday and throughout the holiday season is big. She says she would like to be able to keep her store open for at least a few more years, and a positive response from the community on Saturday could be a good sign for years to come.
"We have a town that's struggling a little bit," says Manning. "So maybe they can help us all out. And help me!"
The businesses participating in Small Business Saturday will also be contributing towards a grand prize for a raffle. Shoppers will need to visit 5 participating businesses and get validated by each businesses to be able to enter in the raffle. No purchase is necessary at the stores.@
