Black Friday is the big shopping day this week — but if you’d prefer to go small, you’re in luck.
Wichita is again participating in Small Business Saturday, a nationwide initiative. The “holiday” aims to get shoppers into local brick-and-mortar stores. That’s done by offering discounts and deals similar to those offered by large retailers during the holiday shopping season.
For some businesses, the event may be the push they need to become established, said Spice Merchant owner Bob Boewe.
“Some small businesses, they open up, and they just ... love their idea so much, but it may not be that other people know them or know what they’re doing or how they’re doing their business,” Boewe said. “Recognition by the public that you're there as a small business and what you have to offer is really, really important.
“Whether it’s the coffee shop, the bakery, or the retailer that you like because of the way they run their business and the way they sell their product, you got to have some favorite local businesses."
Businesses in Clifton Square, Delano and the Douglas Design District will participate in Small Business Saturday, as well as other downtown shops. The Q-Line Trolley offers free rides during business hours, allowing shoppers to shuttle from Clifton Square to Delano.
A list of participating local businesses can be found at www.visitwichita.com/shop-small.
Andrew Linnabary is an intern in the KMUW News Lab.