COLUMBIA, SC (WIS) -
In between Black Friday and Cyber Monday, there's Small Business Saturday. It's meant to encourage people to shop a local stores, and some Midlands business owners are gearing up for the big day.
Jack and Jane Sport on Devine Street has been open for less than two weeks, but they are ready for the event, and they are offering a generous discount of 20 percent on all merchandise to folks who stop by.
"We know our customers," said Susannah Cole. "We live next our customers. We go to school and to church with them. So on Saturday, that's when we hope to see our friends out here."
Friends and people who haven't had the chance to stop by can expect upscale one of a kind sportswear and first-rate customer service.
"Very often when you are in a big box store, you are speaking to someone who doesn't have a vested interest in that particular business," said Cole.
The store is using social media to promote their offer for Small Business Saturday, an initiative that started in 2010 thanks to American Express.
"We know that social media is the advertising platform, so we want to hit Twitter, and we want to hit Facebook," said George Simpson.
We also stopped by an Italian shoe boutique where they are offering extended hours and 25 percent off your second purchase on Saturday.
Gwen Rawls' Italian shoe boutique made it's debut about three months ago. Inside, you'll what Rawls likes to call "pieces of art". The styles are exclusive, and the shops offers an intimate feel that differs from big box shops.
"People are out shopping. They're happy it's the holiday season, and I do believe that small businesses will do very well on Saturday," said Rawls.
Copyright 2012 WIS. All rights reserved.
