Small Businesses Want Shoppers for Black Friday
By: Casie Mason
Updated: November 17, 2012
The biggest day of the year for shoppers, Black Friday, is less than a week away and businesses are starting to get ready. We caught up with a Henderson small business owner, who reminds shoppers to give the small stores a chance next Friday as well, especially with the economy still on the mend.
Standing by the door, welcoming his customers, is Henderson small businessman of eleven years, Bud Atkinson. "I believe in small business. It's good that we have small stores. I don't think this country would be very successful if it was nothing but Wal-Marts, K-Marts, and big stores. It would just lose itself im afraid," says Atkinson.
With the biggest shopping day of the year just around the corner, it's small business owners like Atkinson, who sometimes feel like their left out in the cold. "Times have changed, merchandising has changed, the way we buy and sell has changed, but they can still have a great Christmas with the things that they can find here."
While the 'big guys' like Wal-Mart and Target prepare for Black Friday, businesses like this one plan to go the extra mile for their customers as well. "I do get ready for Black Friday during the summer. I think most of the successful vendors will tell you the same. They don't do it on Black Friday, they plan ahead. You basically have to plan to succeed. If you don't, you wont," says Atkinson.
On Black Friday and beyond, the long lines and tested patience is likely in the forecast for big box stores and retailers, but Atkinson says, "It still boils down to one thing. They stand in line to wait to check out because your nice to them when they walk in, and nice to them when they walk out. That goes a long way with people. I don't think that Wal-Mart really cares whether I come in or not, until I pay them."
As for Bud's Treasures, its the small business way of doing things that makes his job worthwhile. "I'll come in on Black Friday because I enjoy being with people and talking to them, and assisting them, and if I can help them I will."
So while you're out doing your holiday shopping just remember; there's the big business way, the small business way, or Bud's way. Either way the countdown to Black Friday is definitely on.
If you would like to support your local small businesses, Saturday November 24th is a day dedicated to doing just that.
Standing by the door, welcoming his customers, is Henderson small businessman of eleven years, Bud Atkinson. "I believe in small business. It's good that we have small stores. I don't think this country would be very successful if it was nothing but Wal-Marts, K-Marts, and big stores. It would just lose itself im afraid," says Atkinson.
With the biggest shopping day of the year just around the corner, it's small business owners like Atkinson, who sometimes feel like their left out in the cold. "Times have changed, merchandising has changed, the way we buy and sell has changed, but they can still have a great Christmas with the things that they can find here."
While the 'big guys' like Wal-Mart and Target prepare for Black Friday, businesses like this one plan to go the extra mile for their customers as well. "I do get ready for Black Friday during the summer. I think most of the successful vendors will tell you the same. They don't do it on Black Friday, they plan ahead. You basically have to plan to succeed. If you don't, you wont," says Atkinson.
On Black Friday and beyond, the long lines and tested patience is likely in the forecast for big box stores and retailers, but Atkinson says, "It still boils down to one thing. They stand in line to wait to check out because your nice to them when they walk in, and nice to them when they walk out. That goes a long way with people. I don't think that Wal-Mart really cares whether I come in or not, until I pay them."
As for Bud's Treasures, its the small business way of doing things that makes his job worthwhile. "I'll come in on Black Friday because I enjoy being with people and talking to them, and assisting them, and if I can help them I will."
So while you're out doing your holiday shopping just remember; there's the big business way, the small business way, or Bud's way. Either way the countdown to Black Friday is definitely on.
If you would like to support your local small businesses, Saturday November 24th is a day dedicated to doing just that.
