Local Events for Small Business Saturday

The craziness of Black Friday is behind and now Small Business Saturday has its turn this weekend, minus some of the craziness.

Shopping local helps smaller businesses to thrive and it’s a way to show your support for your community, said Tia Brooks from the Village of Oswego.

In Oswego, many of the downtown shops are participating in Small Business Saturday with their program “Downtown Dollars.” Five winners for $100 in Downtown Dollars will be drawn – the prize can be used just like cash at any of the participating stores. Read below for a list of participating stores.

When it comes to small businesses competing with the big-box stores, Dawn Aagesen and Nancy Tyl, co-owners of Savvy Fashions and More in Mason Square, both agreed it’s the personal customer service that helps them.

READ ABOUT A GREAT MONTGOMERY SMALL BUSINESS OWNER

“We are on a first name basis with the majority of our customers. By the time they’ve been in on their second visit we know about their families, illnesses, everything,” said Tyl.

Aagesen added that their consignment shop’s wide variety also helps. “We have things from around the world. One of a time releases. And Connie Payton’s items. No one else has those!”

Connie Payton, wife of the great Walter Payton, donated many of her clothes, purses and accessories that Savvy Fashions is selling to raise money for the Walter Payton Foundation.

“I think because we have a heart for them, they have a heart for us,” said Tyl. “We’re both helping them and they’re helping us.”

“So pledge to shop small on November 24, because if we all shop small, it will be huge!” said Brooks.

Participating downtown Oswego businesses for “Downtown Dollars”

• Oswego Cyclery
• The Marmalade Tree
• Studio 60 on Main
• Prairie Stitches Quilt Shoppe
• The Village Grind
• Floral Expressions & Gifts
• Second Born Consignment
• ReJoyce Design & Consign
• Gary’s Picks.

To support other local businesses in Oswego, be sure to check out:

• Mason Square, located off Route 34 and Douglas Road. 
• Oswego Junction and other businesses located off Orchard Road.
• Stonehill Road and Templeton Drive by Plainfield Road.
• Businesses along Route 34 and Kendall Point Drive.
• Route 30 and Treasure Road businesses. 

If your local business is doing something special for Small Business Saturday, leave a comment and we'll add it to the list!

• Studio 60 on Main: Hosting two charity raffles; one for Sandy relief and another for Alliance for Smiles. Tickets are $1 or 6 for $5. 
• Mik's Bake Shop: Santa is visiting! On Saturday, Nov. 24 from 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. and Sunday, Nov. 25 from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
• The Garden Faire: Offering big discounts and deals, like 75 percent off of Time and Again Candles. See their Facebook page for more information.