WAUSAU, WI (WSAU-WAOW) — Slick conditions didn’t stop shoppers from turning out for the 10th edition of Small Business Saturday in downtown Wausau.
Local businesses say the day, created by American Express in 2010, helps jump-start an important stretch of the year for their bottom line and can have a lasting impact as well.
“I just think when you come to small businesses you have such a strong connection, I know when customers come in we have our regulars which we absolutely love and just being able to stand there and talk about their families about our families and I think we all need a little bit more of that,” Alison Magnuson, owner of The Local in Wausau, told WAOW TV. “I think that that almost makes it a little bit more special knowing you have something one of a kind.”
Officials with the Wausau River District, which represents downtown businesses, say everyone benefits when money stays local.
“You know when you focus on shopping locally you’re not only putting money back into our local economy but rather than funding another big box owners’ mega-yacht you’re putting someone’s child through dance classes,” said Blake Opal-Wahoske, Executive Director of the River District.
Last week Stevens Point Mayor Mike Wiza issued a proclamation naming the Saturday after Thanksgiving as Shop Small Saturday in his city.
