Locals Hope 'Small Business Saturday' Becomes Tradition

Cedar Rapids- The weekend following Thanksgiving is one of the busiest shopping weekends of the year. But after the chaos, craziness and caffeine that fuels Black Friday, some Eastern Iowa businesses hoped to bring in shoppers on Saturday. It's all part of what's been dubbed "Small Business Saturday".

It's an effort started by the credit card company American Express, urging people to shop small. On Saturday, many in Eastern Iowa were doing just that. "The small businesses offer a great deal more than the big box stores. You get service, knowledge, and that's a big deal," said Dave Johnson, Owner of Picture Pro in Cedar Rapids. "It's harder for all the small businesses to break through all the flashy black Friday advertising, so it's a really great way for us to get out there," said Claire Richmond, Marketing Coordinator for Culver's Lawn and Landscape in Marion.

So how do small businesses stay competitive during the holiday season? Photo Pro said they offer free instructional classes with the purchase of a camera, along with special packaging and rebates. "It's value, what do you get for your value? That's what small businesses bring to the table," said Johnson.

Culver's Lawn and Landscape in Marion said they provide free customizing on indoor and outdoor arrangements. "I don't think people realize that once we put the flowers away, there is so much more. There is greenery out in the greenhouse, there are gifts, there are decorations," said Richmond.

Both small businesses said they have the service that they hope will keep people coming back on Small Business Saturday and beyond. "We have almost no returns after Christmas historically, and I think that's because we ask the right questions," Johnson said. "You may be able to get some of the things here at a big box store but the service you get here is really unique," said Richmond.