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WILKES-BARRE — After the hustle and bustle of Black Friday at big box stores, Small Business Saturday is meant to highlight everything local stores have to offer.

The day was celebrated Saturday in Wilkes-Barre as 17 stores opened their doors with special operating hours and sales to remind and entice area residents to shop local.

“We have to remember that $48 of every $100 stays in the community and recirculates,” Larry Newman, executive director of the Diamond City Partnership, said. “It’s very important to give those retailers an opportunity to showcase what they do.”

American Express started the day in 2010 to help smaller, locally owned businesses during the economic downturn. Locally, the Diamond City Partnership teams with American Express to help promote the day.

“We began formal participation three years ago,” Newman said. “It has steadily been growing.”

Jacqueline Wanko, optician at Butler Eyecare, said her store was contacted early about the day’s sales.

“We’ve had a good amount of pre-orders,” Wanko said.

Brenna Tosh came into downtown Wilkes-Barre specifically to shop on Small Business Saturday. She said she’s likes helping local businesses and that the day also helps her get quirky ideas for Christmas presents.

“I’d prefer it over Black Friday,” Tosh said.

Patty Leighton, owner of Bee Hive Gift Shop in Midtown Village, said a unisex recycled fire hose bracelet was trending in her shop.

According to Forbes, a reported $14.3 billion was spent in 2014 with independent retailers and restaurants across the country on Small Business Saturday, which was up 2.1 percent from 2013’s spending.

Both Leighton and Dori Marino, owner of Shambala Midtown Village, say business was on par with last year’s numbers.

“This allows us to play to our own strengths,” Newman said. “You’re talking to someone who knows the customers, who understands what they want. Small Business Saturday is about raising awareness to our communities about local independent merchants every day of the year.”

Rainy day blues

Though it was cold and rainy throughout the day, shop owners’ opinions were mixed on the weather driving away business.

“No affect, we have an umbrella bucket and people just drop it in there and come on in,” Leighton said.

“Response has been good,” Sal Mantione, of Alpine Downtown Eatery, said. “Steady crowd.”

Some business owners were concerned with the weather.

Wanko thought the rain would “put a damper on walk-ins.”

Marino hoped “she was wrong” about the rain driving away business, but “wouldn’t be surprised if it did.”

Nicole Rieschl handcrafts jewelry and other merchandise at Shambala store in Midtown Village in Wilkes-Barre during Small Business Saturday.
https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/web1_TTL112915SBSaturday31.jpg.optimal.jpgNicole Rieschl handcrafts jewelry and other merchandise at Shambala store in Midtown Village in Wilkes-Barre during Small Business Saturday. Sean McKeag | Times Leader

The Beehive Gift Shop in Midtown Village in Wilkes-Barre is decorated with flags promoting Small Business Saturday.
https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/web1_TTL112915SBSaturday11.jpg.optimal.jpgThe Beehive Gift Shop in Midtown Village in Wilkes-Barre is decorated with flags promoting Small Business Saturday. Sean McKeag | Times Leader

Beehive Gift Shop employee Jackie Mosher checks out a sweater purchased by Karen Baranoski, of Wilkes-Barre, on Small Business Saturday in Wilkes-Barre. “I think we need more small businesses in Wilkes-Barre,” Baranoski said.
https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/web1_TTL112915SBSaturday21.jpg.optimal.jpgBeehive Gift Shop employee Jackie Mosher checks out a sweater purchased by Karen Baranoski, of Wilkes-Barre, on Small Business Saturday in Wilkes-Barre. “I think we need more small businesses in Wilkes-Barre,” Baranoski said. Sean McKeag | Times Leader
Annual event aims to help local shops thrive

By Melanie Mizenko

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Reach Melanie Mizenko at 570-991-6116 or on Twitter @TL_MMizenko