The Christmas decorations went up a little earlier this year at the Pottsville Free Public Library as downtown businesses prepare for Small Business Saturday.
Sponsored by American Express, the event encourages people to shop small for the holidays, at locally owned, mom-and-pop stores. The credit card issuer has promoted the initiative with advertising campaigns since 2010. Like Black Friday and Cyber Monday, Small Business Saturday is becoming a holiday shopping staple.
"This is a great way to kick off holiday shopping," Amy S. Burkhart, executive director of the Pottsville Area Development Corp., said Monday.
It's the first time downtown Pottsville is participating in the initiative with 25 local businesses running special promotions throughout the day.
"When you shop at locally-owned stores, that money stays in the area," Burkhart said. "It also offers unique gift ideas, something with a local flair to it."
Planning started after the business association tried to come up with ideas on how to bring the local stores together, Burkhart said.
"We always need a little reminder of what we have in the local community," Burkhart said.
There will also be fire truck rides and strolling Christmas carolers with other holiday events later in the evening.
"We are expecting a good turnout," Burkhart said. "We feel like we have great offers so we hope people come out and enjoy the day."
Jerry Labooty, owner of The Greystone, Pottsville, submitted the online application with American Express.
"I just saw it as an opportunity to bring a national initiative to downtown Pottsville," Labooty said Monday. "It's important to maintain a viable downtown business."
American Express supplied the promotional materials, including 40 $25 gift cards. Labooty said each person that shops at a local business Saturday will be entered for a chance to win a gift card. The winners will be announced Tuesday at The Greystone.
The Pottsville Business Association is also giving away a $100 gift card. To win that gift card, the form at the bottom of the flier needs to be dropped off at the Christmas Craft Fair, 123 Mahantongo St.
As part of the application, Labooty had to explain why people should shop in downtown Pottsville.
"We are just so diverse," he said. "It's just a bunch of unique businesses."
The Pottsville Free Public Library will showcase local authors for the event. There will be more than 25 authors attending and selling their work from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the library.
"We try to support our local authors and Small Business Saturday seemed like the perfect pairing," Denise Miller, circulation supervisor at the library, said Monday. "I think it's just such a great idea and this is just our way of getting involved."
Burkhart said the business association will meet in January to discuss how things went for the inaugural event.
"We are already starting to think of ways to expand on it for next year," she said.
Shoppers need to bring the flier to receive the discount or promotion. They are available at various businesses and online at www.downtownpottsville.com or by calling PADCO at 570-628-4647.
Small Business Saturday runs from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Santa parade starts at 5:45 at Garfield Square. The Mayor's tree lighting ceremony will follow at 6 p.m. and the children's Christmas party starts at 6:30 p.m. at the Humane Fire Company. For more information, visit www.downtownpottsville.com.
Special business promotions in Pottsville for Small Business Saturday:
1. 12 Volt Daves, 2004 W. Market St., 570-628-4561: 10 percent off total purchase
2. Aarons Sales and Lease, 2280 W. Market St., 570-622-4004: 50 percent off first monthly lease payment
3. All American Cafe, 106 N. Centre St., 570-622-9300: 20 percent off total bill
4. Bohorads, 6 N. Centre St., 570-622-7930: 25 percent off entire purchase
5. Brewers' Outlet, 30 N. Claude A Lord Blvd., 570-622-2324: Stop in for a complimentary 2014 calendar
6. Christmas Craft Fair, 123 Mahantongo St., 570-628-4647: Open on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
7. Dirty Dog, 217 N. Centre St., 570-581-8580: $3 off pet wash
8. Goodwill Christian Bookstore, 310 N. Centre St., 570-622-2243: $5 off purchase of $25 or more
9. Hadesty's Ace Hardware, 2244 W. Market St., 570-628-4300: 50 percent off regularly priced item under $30
10. Juliette Bridals by Ivana, 19 N. Centre St., 570-622-1066: 10 percent off regularly priced item. $1 photo booth promotion. Proceeds for photos donated to Pottsville Food Drive.
11. Jazzie Music Studio, 4 S. Second St., 570-527-6490: 10 percent off gift certificates of $20 or more
12. Marguerite's Antiques, 8 S. Centre St., 570-628-3350: 20 percent off purchase of $15 or more
13. Murphy Jewelers, 115 West Market St., 570-622-3136: 10 percent off total purchase (offer excludes Pandora and Alex & Ani)
14. Momma Millies, 216 N. Centre St., 570-622-1022: Open house, samples available
15. Pottsville Free Public Library Local Author Showcase, 215 W. Market St., 570-622-8880: Free bookmark with purchase of local book
16. Pottsville Senior Community Center, 201 N. Centre St., 570-628-3513: Crafters Corner open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., featuring:
- 31 Gifts
- Fabric Necklaces by Edith McDonough
- Jewelry and Purses by Mariann Young
- Paparazzi Jewelry by Yolanda Duke
- Scentsy
- Stella & Dot Jewelry
17. Rhonda's Custom Gifts and Balloons, 123 W. Norwegian St., 570-581-8144: Free gift with purchase of $20 or more
18. Miske Brothers Florists, 300 N. Centre St., 570-628-0730: 10 percent off purchase
19. Schuylkill County Historical Society, 305 N. Centre St., 570-622-7540: 10 percent off regularly priced gift shop item
20. Serendipity, 1755 W. Market St., 570-628-5316: 20 percent off entire purchase
21. Shop 203, 203 W. Market St., 570-617-1163: 10 percent off regularly priced item
22. Sovereign Majestic, 209 N. Centre St., 570-628-4647: 10 percent off purchase of tickets. Also hosting the Anthracite Philharmonic
23. Subway, 314 N. Centre St., 570-628-5070: Free cookie with purchase
24. Victorian Rose Arts, 4 S. Second St., 570-527-6490: 15 percent off regularly priced items
25. West Coast Video, 2221 W. Market St., 570-628-0540: Rent one new release, get second free