MORGANTOWN — It’s the holiday season, and locals are thinking about holiday purchases as Christmas nears.
Between Black Friday and Cyber Monday Main Street Morgantown is working to remind shoppers to buy local — especially on Small Business Saturday.
Barbara Watkins, executive director of Mainstreet Morgantown, said gearing up for the shopping season involves advertisement and awareness.
Watkins said her organization promotes it through different media outlets, whether it be print or radio and, of course, social media, given its large pull. American Express pairs with small business promotions, and provides businesses with materials for Small Business Saturday — which is this weekend.
“We sign up through American Express so we can get some bags and some promotional materials to pass out during the day on Small Business Saturday, and that’s one of the ways we get ready for it,” Watkins said.
She said small business owners are among the largest growing pieces of the economy in West Virginia, letting people know buying local products from local people is important. She said between the different businesses in the downtown area, they likely sell over 100 different products from West Virginia and Morgantown.
“Local business owners, first of all, they love their customers. They love the shopping season, so they really cannot wait for it to kick off,” she said.
Watkins said as everyone moves toward the holiday season, shoppers can expect downtown to be festive and decorated for the season. Some shops will offer refreshments to shoppers, and owners will be readily available to talk to their customers on Small Business Saturday.
One of those is Stephanie Swaim, who is new to the downtown local scene. In August, she opened Hoot and Howl on Walnut Street. Her shop carries works by many local artisans, as well as other gifts. A maker herself, Swaim thought there was a need for a store like hers in the area — one for artisans to get their work out to the public.
“I wanted to put something together that would build community with the local creatives and opportunities for them and give our community something cool,” she said.
The store is ever-changing with locally made goods, with 40-plus makers in the tristate area alone. Shoppers can get anything from handmade jewelry to Rora Apothic, a local handmade bath and body line. Swaim is always thinking of new things she can bring to her costumers.
With her first go-round in the storefront for the holiday season, Swaim keeps an eye on her inventory and what’s sold well so far. When the doors close each evening, Swaim spends time brainstorming ideas for the store.
“I’m always sourcing new people, so I’m always bringing something else in, too. I feel like I’m just constantly stocking, anyway, and then myself I’ve been making as much as I can, trying to make jewelry in the evenings, and I’ve been crocheting here in the store and just trying to get things filled up,” she said.
Swaim said she was excited for the holiday shopping season and Small Business Saturday. She plans to sample tea and coffee she carries in the store alongside a pop-up held by Rora Apothic with items not currently carried in the store.
“I’m just excited to have a good time. We’re going to try to get some lights up in the window and make it a little festive and open it up for the public to come in and get all their gifts,” she said.
Swaim takes feedback from her customers, if they make a request for something, she goes out and finds what they’re looking for. Building those relationships is important to her, and she stays connected with her clientele on social media.
“You come in here for a personal, good experience — and I want you to come back. That’s important to me,” she said.
Parking is free in downtown Morgantown now through 8 a.m. Monday.
Shops are open extended hours Saturday and Main Street Morgantown is holding Small Business Saturday promotions from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
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