'More than just stuff': Sioux Falls businesses make shopping small a social experience

Katie Nelson
Argus Leader

As the weather turns colder and Christmas lights start to go up around town, local retailers are getting ready for the most important day of their year: Small Business Saturday on Nov. 30.

The retail holiday is strategically placed the day after Black Friday, a day of blockbuster deals that has traditionally opened the holiday shopping season.

With online sales predicted to surpass those of physical stores for the first time ever this holiday season, the pressure is on small businesses to provide an experience shoppers won't find on Amazon.

Chelsea Tracy, the owner of Chelsea's Boutique on Phillips Avenue, says Small Business Saturday is the busiest day of the year for her store. She sees it as an opportunity to connect knowledgeable employees with customers searching for the perfect gift.

Joan Hanson shops at Chelsea's Boutique on Friday, Nov. 22, 2019, in downtown Sioux Falls. Hanson says the boutique is one of her daughter's favorite stores.

“I think it’s that community aspect," Tracy said. “We’re going toward an online world and … we miss that connection with people.”

Other Sioux Falls businesses are emphasizing the experiential part of shopping on Small Business Saturday, turning it into not just a day of deals, but a social gathering.

Greg Koch owns 605 Running Co. in downtown Sioux Falls. On Saturday, his running store is offering shoppers a hot chocolate bar, holiday cookies, door prizes and a free gift-wrapping station. Free-will donations for the latter will go to three area running clubs.

“We’re going to have a lot of fun," Koch said.

Betty Crim shops for Christmas presents at Chelsea's Boutique on Friday, Nov. 22, 2019, in downtown Sioux Falls.

Nathan Sanderson, executive director of the South Dakota Retailers Association, says that making Small Business Saturday more of an engaging experience is key to its success.

“They’re taking the opportunity to create an event," Sanderson said.

Stores are not the only ones encouraging people to shop small. Joe Batcheller, president of Downtown Sioux Falls, Inc., says buying locally both supports the Sioux Falls economy and benefits the customer.

"It's a great opportunity for customers to get products they wouldn't be able to get anywhere else," he said. "There's something unique about the local businesses."

For some businesses, this is their first foray into local business' biggest shopping day. Stacey’s Vintage-Art-Boutique, a business that houses items from 70 local artisans, only opened in April.

Store manager Caitlyn Meiers wraps a purchased item on Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2019, at Stacey’s Vintage Art Boutique. On Small Business Saturday, the boutique will offer a "sip and shop" event.

“This is our first one, so we’re not sure what to expect," said owner Stacey Namminga. Her store is offering an all-day "sip and shop" event on Small Business Saturday, featuring local coffees and teas, and a wine-tasting. Vendors are able to choose for themselves if they'd like to offer a sale.

“Essentially, we are a store of small businesses," Namminga said. “That’s why Small Business Saturday is so important to us, because we want to support all of these small businesses.”

For Namminga, one of the benefits of shopping small is finding a unique gift that can't be found anywhere else.

Chelsea's Boutique prepares for Small Business Saturday on Friday, Nov. 22, 2019, in downtown Sioux Falls. The entire boutique will be buy one get one 50 percent off on Small Business Saturday.

“Having that special piece that’s kind of a conversation starter," she said, adding she thinks about "what types of things I’d like to see in my own home.”

Riccardo Tarabelsi, owner of R Wine Bar in downtown Sioux Falls, said buying a gift from a local business is more meaningful than buying one from a big-box store.

“To me, when someone buys a gift card here, it means the world," he said.

Koch summed up the importance of Small Business Saturday by saying that it's about more than just getting a good deal on a Christmas gift.

“To be local, you have to be involved in your community," he said. “You have to offer more than just stuff.”