Jefferson City small businesses filled with customers Saturday as residents made an effort to shop locally.
More than 30 Jefferson City businesses participated in Small Business Saturday, which is intended to keep local businesses at the forefront of the hectic start of the holiday buying season. Founded by American Express, Jefferson City businesses have participated in Small Business Saturday since 2012, according to a news release.
Each participating business had drawing boxes where customers had the opportunity to enter for a $500, $250 and $100 gift certificate that can be used at any of the participating businesses before the end of the year. Some local businesses also had their own drawings, prizes, refreshments and sale prices.
Ashland resident Lonna Trammell was out shopping with her family Saturday in downtown Jefferson City, mainly for suits and other items at Samuel's Tuxedos, which is having an inventory reduction sale before it undergoes new ownership in January.
Trammell said she buys most of her Christmas gifts in downtown Jefferson City because she likes to support small businesses rather than large companies. Shopping locally is important, she said, because it supports the local owners and our community.
"It's important to shop local to keep the money in our community," she said. "I would rather do that than go to Dillard's and buy the same thing, and the money goes and nobody cares. Shopping locally supports these people's livelihood."
By 3 p.m. Saturday, Samuel's Tuxedos & Gifts had about 400-500 customers, with most of them purchasing items, said current owner Sam Bushman. While it wasn't slow last year on Small Business Saturday, Samuel's received much more business this year, Bushman said.
"It's extraordinary," he said.
Samuel's Tuxedos has participated in Small Business Saturday since it started. Bushman said he wants to thank his customers for supporting his business.
"It really does benefit the downtown area considerably, so we love it," he said.
Frantically bouncing from customer to customer, American Shoe co-owner Sara Quinn said the store had been busy all day.
"It's been fabulous," she said. "This community really does support small businesses. I'm very happy to be here because Jefferson City is wonderful."
Bella Roos Boutique, which opened in September, had about double the number of transactions than a typical busy day, said Justa Brendel, who owns the shop with her husband, Patrick. They decided to sign up for Small Business Saturday to get more involved with the community. They enjoyed getting to interact with more people due to the additional customers, she said.
"We appreciate being part of the community and part of the small businesses," Patrick Brendel said.
By 3:20 p.m. Saturday, Downtown Book & Toy was on track to make about $500-$1,000 more in sales than it did last year on Small Business Saturday, owner Beth Elliott said. She estimates the shop had about 120 customers by that time.
Before Elliott purchased the store this year, customers received a free cookbook if they spent a certain amount on Small Business Saturdays. This year, all adult hardcover books were 25 percent off.
"But it's been a lot of toys today, which is also great," Elliott said.
Local authors Michelle Brooks and Michael Downey had book signings at Downtown Book & Toy on Saturday, which also brought in customers.
"We're having a wonderful time, and it's fantastic to be downtown," Elliott said.
Southbank Gift Company owner Jill Bednar said the shop was busy all day as well, and she spoke to many customers who said shopping locally is important to them.
"They're trying to make a concerted effort to come out and support small businesses," she said. "Usually this is a bigger day for us than Black Friday."
Participating businesses included: American Shoe, Art Bazaar, Ashley HomeStore, Bella Roos Boutique, Busch's Florist, Butterfly Treasure/Hospice Boutique, Carrie's Hallmark, Click2Sell4U/Kay's Collectibles, Dogwood Vintiques, Downtown Book & Toy, Gredell Engineering, Historic City of Jefferson, J Street Vintage, K's Consignment, Last Flight Brewing, Madison Street Realty, Mattie Grace Boutique, Mimi's Vintage & Gifts, Missouri Furniture, Pizza Haus in Wardsville, Premium Pets, Ready Popped, River City Florist, Samuel's Tuxedos & Gifts, Shop Girl, Southbank Gifts, Lavender Lily Gifts & Décor, The Schaefer House and Will West Music.