SUSSEX COUNTY, Del.- It is getting closer to the most wonderful time of the year and for businesses the busiest weekend of the year is just around the corner.
The Small Business Administration and the Delaware Small Business Development Center (SBDC) have been touring the state's businesses in preparation for Small Business Saturday.
The first stop in Sussex County was Gingham + Grace Clothing in Harbeson. Owner Jami Jackson is excited for the weekend ahead but is doing her own part to support other small businesses in December.
"Ninety percent of everything I am giving away from December 1st through December 15th is all of my favorite things from local small businesses to kind of promote them, share my following with their products and hopefully gain more following for their people," Jackson said.
Delaware SBDC Advisor Caroline Hermance says that her center has been working with small businesses to develop an online element of their business.
"Exploring things online," Hermance said. "Googling whatever products you're looking for and searching for a small business that provides those things online. Lots of businesses are building websites and e-commerce storefronts to be able to get those items without getting exposure if they don't want to do that."
At Brimming Horn Meadery, customers come in bunches around this time of year. Owner John Talkington says December is usually a big month.
"Usually the month of December is pretty busy for us," Talkington said. "A lot of people come in to buy mead and merchandise for Christmas presents and then it starts to taper off after that and then it picks up again in the spring."
The meadery also has its own subscription-based club that has over 300 members and has grown its sales substantially being able to ship bottles to 42 states across the country.
A Consumer Insight Survey by American Express says that in 2020, Small Business Saturday created a positive impact felt by 97 percent of shoppers. Also, 85 percent of those shoppers encouraged friends to shop small. Small Business Saturday is this Saturday and some businesses like Gingham and Grace will be having flash sales meaning the earlier you go in, the larger the discount.
