PIERRE, S.D. (KELO.com) – With Black Friday and Small Business Saturday only days away, retailers across the state are preparing for holiday shoppers.
The South Dakota Retailers Association is encouraging families to “Shop Mom & Pop” this holiday season, to support local communities and the business owners that support them.
“Mom and Pop businesses help define the unique character of our towns,” said Executive Director Nathan Sanderson. “Support the shops that provided team uniforms, event space, meals, and supplies to activities in your hometown during this past year.”
To Cash Hogan, owner of Hogan’s Hardware Hank in Pierre, holiday shopping is personal. “My employees and I make coming into the store an experience, not just a mouse click,” Hogan said.
Hogan and his employees know that to be a destination for shoppers this holiday season, they should focus on the customer experience. “For the holidays, we carry what people need, help them find it, and present it all in a fun way,” noted Hogan. Care for the customer and the community is what local business does best.
Local retailers like Cash Hogan are committed to being a destination for shoppers this holiday season. Interesting and unique events and collaborations are also attracting shoppers downtown.
Main Street businesses strive to make downtown a friendly, inviting neighborhood for locals and visitors alike. These businesses also are a driving force in the overall satisfaction with the communities where people love to live, work, and raise a family.
“We all love the neighborhood feel of our cities and towns in South Dakota,” said Sanderson. “It’s the local charm of small businesses that keeps this sentiment strong.”
The South Dakota Retailers Association reminds consumers that:
• When you shop local, you’re making a personal investment in your neighborhood and community.
• Small businesses employ more people directly per dollar of revenue, and they are also customers of fellow local businesses.
“The more you shop in your community, the more aware you are of what your town offers, ” Evans added. “It changes your mindset and you begin thinking locally.”
