Business owners encourage shopping small

Pedestrians walk down High Street in downtown Jefferson City. (MAY 2018 FILE PHOTO)
Pedestrians walk down High Street in downtown Jefferson City. (MAY 2018 FILE PHOTO)

The bulk of your holiday shopping doesn't have to end on Black Friday.

About 20 Jefferson City businesses will participate in another popular holiday shopping event the following day - Small Business Saturday.

The all-day event Nov. 30 will include businesses from downtown to Jefferson City's south and east sides, organizer Donna Deetz said in a news release.

Each business will offer special giveaways, and there will be a "shop small drawing" for gift certificates.

The event helps small businesses promote local shopping during the holidays, Deetz said. It's also important Jefferson City recognize Small Business Saturday because "it is the small businesses that are the life and breath of most small towns, including Jeff City," she said.

"We are the mom-and-pop stores. We are the 80 percent of chamber membership. We are the folks who deliver good quality customer service because we know the folks that we're working with. We are the ones who support our parks and teams and United Way and tornado relief and so much more," Deetz said. "We are the ones who live in (the) Jefferson City community and deliver that little extra for our friends and families that we serve."

The East Side Business Association, Downtown Business Association, Gredell Engineering and the Jefferson City Area Chamber of Commerce will host this year's event.

Some local business owners started Jefferson City's first Small Business Saturday in 2012 after seeing the success of American Express' national campaign.

The Trolley Company, which Deetz owns, will offer free transportation to participating areas. Interested shoppers can visit the Small Business Saturday Facebook event for trolley route information.

Participating businesses include:

American Shoe, 221 E. High St.

Tolson Drug, 226 E. High St.

The Art Bazaar, 1502 E. High St.

Butterfly Treasure Hospice Resale Shop, 721 Jefferson St.

Carrie's Hallmark Shop, 117 E. High St.

Classroom Connection, 1500 E. McCarty St.

Click2Sell4U/Kay's Collectibles, 620 E. High St.

Dogwood Vintiques, 1415 Missouri Blvd.

Downtown Book & Toy, 125 E. High St.

Fine Mess Boutique, 222 E. High St.

It's a Great Day Massage Therapy, 227 E. Capitol Ave.

Premium Pets, 700 E. McCarty St.

River City Florist, 212 Madison St.

Samuel's Tuxedos, 236 E. High St.

The Schaefer House, 618 Broadway St.

The Snob Shop Exchange, 211 E. High St.

Southbank Gifts, 110 E. High St.

Will West Music & Sound, 807 Missouri Blvd.

Rene's Teas and Treasures, 426 E. High St.

Unique Creations Candle Bar, 114 E. High St.

Unique Creations Studio, 120 E. High St.

While not included on the local list, other businesses may participate in the national Small Business Saturday.