In 2010, American Express launched the “Small Business Saturday” marketing campaign to drive consumer spending towards small businesses. The following year, the U.S. Small Business Administration joined in on the action, officially cosponsoring the initiative. Sandwiched between Black Friday and Cyber Monday, sales events that cater more towards big box stores and larger corporations, Small Business Saturday aims to champion small businesses on the last Saturday of November.
“I think the community needs to support small businesses. I mean, that’s how we all live. A lot of businesses struggle,” said Riza Johnson, owner Dona Maria Tamales Restaurant. “It’s been tough times, but, the only reason why people survive is because the community supports it.”
Johnson said she was appreciative of the efforts the city has made, communicating street closures for events like Formula 1 and the Las Vegas Marathon and of the regulars who patron the restaurant during the tamale-heavy holiday season.
Pop-up vendor event Market in the Alley, featuring 70-some small businesses and makers, will take place Saturday, November 30, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Arts District. The festivities for the event will continue on Sunday, December 1, at UnCommons, also from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
For Small Business Saturday, The City of Las Vegas will offer free on-street, metered parking in Downtown Las Vegas, which includes the Arts District.
“Free parking will allow customers to support local stores and restaurants, whether it’s dining in, shopping in-store or picking-up orders,” said the City in a statement.
Opening up his barber shop earlier this month, Good Luck Barber Studio owner Evan Prado said he chose Downtown because he enjoys the area’s unique Las Vegas charm. He said that across the street sits a wedding chapel, and tourists often visit the area and share stories of their travels.
In addition, Prado said the city has made improvements in aiding the homeless people who frequent the area.
Despite being a newcomer to the area, Prado said the business is looking to ingratiate themselves in the community and support other small businesses — providing discounts for people who also work Downtown.
Prado believes Small Business Saturday is a great way to bring the Downton community together.
“I actually want to go in and check out, small business Saturdays,” said Prado. “This will be my first time going down there. I want to go out there because I do want to interact and network a little bit.”
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