ST. LOUIS — On one of the biggest shopping weekends of the season, small businesses harnessed the spending momentum to offer special deals and connect with their local communities.
Small businesses like BARRE-STL and the vendors at the City Foundry are making the most of the weekend rush, creating a win-win scenario for both business growth and community engagement.
BARRE-STL in south St. Louis still offered discounts into Sunday.
"We are gearing up for our busiest season, which is New Year's resolutions. Health, fitness goals, etc,"Tori Foster, co-owner, and instructor at the fitness studio, said.
The studio offers diverse activities, including yoga, pilates, strength training, dance, and hip cardio wrapped into one class.
Foster and her husband are committed to supporting their customers on their fitness journey.
"The support from the local community is our lifeline," Foster said.
BARRE-STL is providing special deals on memberships, classes, and products tailored to their industry.
At the City Foundry, 18 vendors lined up to capitalize on the big shopping weekend.
Leah Longville, owner, said, "It gives them an avenue to connect with people in real time, meet people in person, and also get their goods out in the real world."
Small businesses like these are leveraging the opportunity to establish real connections with customers.
The National Retail Federation predicted a turnout of 65.6 million shoppers on Small Business Saturday, making it the third most important shopping day over the five-day Thanksgiving weekend after Black Friday. This surge in support is a huge push for small businesses to reach their growth goals and a way to give back to the community.
As the holiday season kicks off, these community stakeholders are at the center, providing products and services and a personal touch that resonates with shoppers.