Perry prepares for Small Business Saturday

November 26, 2015

41NBC Web Producer,

PERRY, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – While you may be saving big on Black Friday, some Middle Georgia cities want you to shop small Saturday.

Displays are set and signs are up for Perry’s Small Business Saturday celebration.

“American Express recognized that small businesses are the economic driver for our retail economy and they started this initiative to support that,” explained Main Street Coordinator Catherine Edgemon.

The “big box stores” may have door busters, but Perry’s small businesses have tradition. Cossart Designs owner, Trish Cossart, said her store has been in several locations on Carroll Street for seven years. Cossart is not only a small business owner, she’s also President of the Merchants Association. The group came up with the passport shopping promotion for this year’s event.

“We have a passport that participating merchants will initial inside and once you have 12 stamps, you leave it with the merchant and it will go into a drawing. The passport that’s drawn, that person will win $300 downtown dollars,” explained Edgemon.

19 merchants are participating and the money can be spent at any location in Downtown Perry.

“Perry is a great community and we really are excited about this event and getting people downtown to remember not just the big box stores. We want people to shop local,” said Cossart.

Edgemon said Small Business Saturday gives people an alternative to Black Friday’s long lines.

“They’re tired of the mall. They’re tired of fighting at the big box stores and they will remember there’s some nice little shops in Downtown Perry,” said Edgemon.

As the Holiday Season gets into full swing, business owners reflect on what they’re thankful for and the support of the Perry community is at the top of their lists.

“A town like this, all the businesses are small and we have learned that if we all support each other, we are more successful,” said Cossart.

Small Business Saturday in Perry runs from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. Stores will also have extended hours throughout December.