Nov. 29—The Valley's business owners have compensated for a shorter holiday shopping season this year — only 27 days between Thanksgiving and Christmas — by fully stocking up their merchandise in anticipation of a flurry of activity Saturday, the 14th annual Small Business Saturday.
In Lewisburg, Blooming Rooster owner Susie Gearhart, watched as an early crowd of curious buyers walked slowly through her shop, a full-service floral arrangement and gift shop.
By mid-morning, a freezing wind picked up and a steady snowfall briefly blanketed the area. "Maybe a taste of what's to come," said Erin Zimmerman, owner, Daisylace boutique, also in Lewisburg.
The cold weather didn't deter shoppers on Lewisburg's Market Street.
"Well in advance we planned to have merchandise for our shoppers," Zimmerman said.
Zimmerman's stock of warm women's outerwear clothing for sale drew particular interest from customers.
"It's a little early to be snowing," Laurie Grafius, co-owner of Stein's Flowers and gifts, said. "But it seems right, leading up to Christmas."
Grafus' floral and gift shop is meticulously designed for the holidays, with a variety of Christmas ornaments and nativity items available for purchase.
"Shop Small Saturday is a true celebration of community, made possible by our incredible merchants and the visitors who choose to shop local in our charming downtown," Ellen J Ruby, Lewisburg Downtown Partnership executive director, said. "Together, we're keeping the spirit of the season alive and supporting the heart of Lewisburg.
"Lewisburg's traditional holiday promotion for this weekend, Black Friday and Shop Small Saturday, is the Holiday Shopping Pass, which gives shoppers 15 percent off one item at over 40 locations."
Sunbury's Something Special Gifts owners Jacob and Colline Klock are also geared up for today's Small Business Saturday.
"It is a shorter, more compact holiday season; we're ready," Colline said. "We'll be open until 2 p.m. Usually on Saturday we close at noon."
Fresh flower arrangements and seasonal ornaments are among the many gift-giving items the store offers.
The National Retail Association predicts 65.6 million U.S. shoppers will turn out Saturday, making it one of the busiest shopping days of the year. In 2023, according to the association, an estimated $17 billion was spent on Small Business Saturday in the U.S. alone.