From left, Charlote Lepis, 10, of West Caldwell and mom Marisa make a purchase from Erica Fischer of Ringwood at the California Beach Hut on Small Business Saturday in Denville.(Photo: Warren Westura/Correspondent)
DENVILLE It was a busy Saturday in Denville as shoppers prepared for the holiday season by avoiding the malls to support their local businesses on Small Business Saturday.
American Express launched the first Small Business Saturday on November 27, 2010, to encourage shoppers across the country to support local businesses. The event has turned into a holiday shopping tradition on the first Saturday after Thanksgiving.
American Express cardholders who used their cards on this day were able to sign up for special promotions and discounts. Many of the stores had individual sales just for Small Business Saturday and advertised them on sandwich boards.
"We're very excited about today. It's usually a great day for us," said Barbara Jean Santoro, owner of her namesake shop, Barbara Jean Boutique.
"American Express helps us promote this. We get the welcome mats, and if you sign up online you get to use the promotions. It's very nice and we see a lot of support from the community. So we're excited."
Denville's holiday shopping season, Happy Holiday Circus, started on Black Friday with a holiday shopping open house from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Broadway was closed to cars, and the area was filled with activities including live entertainment, a petting zoo, bouncy house, horse and buggy rides and the tree lighting. Many of the stores hosted photos with Santa and activities for children.
On Sunday, the Denville Holiday Parade starts at 2 p.m. and will include floats, bands and town dignitaries for a traditional celebration on Broadway.
Every weekend leading up to Christmas, Denville will host special holiday weekends. Visitors are invited to shop, dine, stroll and experience the atmosphere. Carolers and other festivities will be offered across the town.
SEE VIDEO: >> http://dailyre.co/1xYiSNO
Small Business Saturday in Denville N.J. encourages shoppers to forgo the malls and shop small on Nov. 29, 2014. IPHONE VIDEO BY LESLIE RUSE
"I come shopping here all the time but I saw the ads for Small Business Saturday and wanted to come," said Sue Duncalf of Lake Hopatcong. "I love this town. You don't see this type of shopping area anymore. It's all strip malls. I like to keep that old feeling."
"I come here because they have the little shops. I grew up in Ridgefield Park, and they didn't have anything like this. I love 'Faith and Begorra.' They have beautiful things, some religious. It's wonderful."
Crowds filed into Faith and Begorra: Irish Gifts, Imports & Catholic Gifts, where they patiently waited on line to purchase wool socks, jewelry, sweaters, cookies and candy, all native to the Emerald Isle.
"There were people in line out front when I got here this morning. It was a wonderful surprise," said Allison Banks, the daughter of Faith and Begorra's owner, Susan Banks.
"We're giving 20 percent off everything made of wool or flax today," said Banks, helping a customer choose a flax jacket.
"It's a great event and it's nationwide, which I like. This is always a good day for us."
"How about if I take a cookie?" Eileen Traino said to her husband, Vic, looking at the plate of chocolate cookies from Ireland. The table contained tea pots from Ireland as well as Irish fruitcake.
"When I want something Irish, I always come here. It's a good day for shopping especially because it's Small Business day," said the resident of White Meadow Lake. "We wanted to come and support them. We do anyway, so why not today? This is a great place to shop. Very friendly."
Closing the door at Faith and Begorra, Edwina Marchev stopped to look at the pine boughs decorating the doorway before heading to her next stop.
"I come here (Denville) all the time. I choose small business first. I only go to the mall if I have absolutely no choice," the Mountain Lakes resident said.
"This is a blessing to come here and be able to look at all these beautiful things and have the personal service that they give. I walk in and they know my name like on 'Cheers.' It's always 'Hi Edwina.' It's just wonderful."
Shoppers walked up and down the street, many with coffee cups in hand from Mara's Cafe & Bakery on Main Street or SmartWorld Coffee on the corner of Broadway. Despite the cold weather, they made their way in and out of stores along Broadway and Main Street.
Chrissy Murden of Denville and Annie Petersen of Boonton cheerfully greeted customers as they walked in the door at Surprises in Store.
"It's great to see everybody out and a lot of them weren't from here. A lot are coming from other places, and I think they're coming for Small Business Saturday," Petersen, of Boonton, said. "This is a great place to work. We're here to help."
"This is always a fun day," said Murden, a Denville resident.
With large snowflakes and candy canes adorning the sidewalks, Christmas music playing in the background and snow piled up from Wednesday's first storm, shoppers enjoyed their first real taste of the holidays.
Kristin and Steven Sherwood window-shopped as they strolled along Broadway with their toddler daughter, Sarah.
"We like to support the local town. We've been here for three years and it's a community feel here," Steven Sherwood said.
"I try to come and shop here first when I'm buying gifts. So far, we've been to three stores," said Kristin Sherwood.
"Four, but I got my electronics, so I'm happy," Steven Sherwood said, picking up Sarah and heading to Beignets in search of warmth and donuts.
Read or Share this story: http://dailyre.co/1xYmEGO
Source: http://www.dailyrecord.com/story/money/business/2014/11/30/morris-area-shoppers-visit-denville-small-business-saturday/19694711/
