Local businesses explain what your participation in Small Business Saturday means this year

ROANOKE, Va. (WFXR) — Small Business Saturday kicks off this weekend. Many local businesses are gearing up for the big day by offering specials, but beyond the advantages to shoppers, this is a great way to support local business owners who have encountered their fair share of obstacles this year amidst the pandemic.

Downtown Roanoke INC’s Jamie Clark says this holiday shopping season can literally make or break businesses.

”This is really the difference between many of them being open or not this time next year. You know going into the holidays this year we have our slow months in January and February downtown and they really rely on the holidays to get them through that slow period… and not knowing when that’s going to end, they really need some support.”

Jamie Clark, Marketing and Communications Manager with Downtown Roanoke INC.

In addition to the economic advantages are the unique shopping opportunities and that expands beyond downtown. Roanokers and visitors alike have access to Black Dog Salvage’s curated collections and talented vendors, such as Linda Hudson. Linda is a former business owner and has been a vendor with Black Dog Salvage for eight years.

“It’s not the same thing that everybody else is going to have. No matter what you’re buying, everything is unique because it’s not replicated. It’s individually done with a lot of character, a lot of thought, and a lot of energy put into what they’re making.”

Linda Hudson, Black Dog Salvage Vendor

In addition to one of a kind finds, shoppers can also head over to Marj Easterling at Big Lick Screen Printing. She’s offering unique printing opportunities that cannot be replicated elsewhere.

“What you do is bring your own shirt, it has to be clean and washed, brand new, and we’ll print it for free or you can buy one of ours. We’re also starting this year, if you bring us a picture then we’ll let you do an ornament as well. We’ll print the ornament for free but you’ll have to buy the ornament from us.”

Marj Easterling, Big Lick Screen Printing

If hip boutiques and self expression through fashion is your thing, Madelyn with 310 Rosemont says they’ve got deals as well!

“We are doing 30% off the whole entire store so make sure to come out and come shop, but if you don’t feel as comfortable shopping right now, we are offering our annual gift card sale so that’s a $100 gift card for $80.”

Madelyn Brown, Assistant Store Manager 310 Rosemont

Small Business Saturday isn’t just a day to shop, it’s personal, it’s the chance to support your neighbors, your friends.

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