Baton Rouge residents who pride themselves on snagging bargain Black Friday deals have an opportunity to take part in the Black Friday weekend madness while also supporting the local economy.
The Baton Rouge Area Chamber is encouraging residents to participate in Small Business Saturday on Nov. 30 by visiting locally owned retailers instead of big name businesses.
“Small Business Saturday offers us a chance to show our support for the small businesses here in the Baton Rouge area,” President and CEO of BRAC Adam Knapp said in a news release. “BRAC hopes that shoppers will make a commitment to support local businesses as part of their holiday shopping and throughout the upcoming year.”
Small businesses in the area are being urged to participate in this event by increasing customer incentives such as free gift wrapping, giveaways and food tasting.
Some local retailers already have plans for the upcoming day.
Local clothing retailer Bella Bella plans to have an additional half-off all sales merchandise sale this Saturday, said Bella Bella Sales Associate Meredith Decoteau.
However, some stores that had yet to hear about the Small Business Saturday initiative still planned on having Black Friday deals.
Massey’s Outfitters Store Manager Jonathan Thomas said the Massey’s Northgate location will be having a storewide 20 percent off sale on all clothing, gear and shoes Friday through Monday.
Louisiana Business and Technology Director Charles D’Agostino said he is a huge supporter of buying locally.
“Our local entrepreneurs, friends, families and small business owners in the community should be supported as they keep and spend the dollars in the state, thus creating a huge multiplier for every dollar spent,” D’Agostino said.
Additionally, businesses located near one another are encouraged to work in tandum on Saturday through group activities or incentives.
D’Agostino said some economists report that a local dollar is spent four times in the community and that these local sales taxes pay for our schools, roads, police and other amenities that residents count on.
“We all should seek out our small businesses owned by our local residents and support those businesses,” D’Agostino said. “I also like to see what I am buying and that gives me great satisfaction to know that I am supporting the community and getting what I want.”
Small Business Saturday was founded in 2010 by American Express to support small businesses and keep communities thriving. The goal is to help small businesses increase their exposure during the post-Thanksgiving shopping.