MORGANTOWN — “Shop Small” was the mantra in downtown Morgantown Saturday as Small Business Saturday moves shoppers closer into the holiday season. People could be seen walking the streets carrying shopping bags and business owners displayed balloons and signs outside, inviting in potential customers.
Retrotique on Walnut Street was open for business Saturday, and since last holiday season has moved into a much larger space. Owner Jillian Kelly said it’s been awesome being in their new space, but a lot of work. The store is working on putting in a band practice space that will be open to the public, alongside other projects. With shoppers filing in looking for gifts, Kelly has noticed what people are more apt to pick up and put under the tree.
“We’ve noticed in the past week, the little Pop Funk dolls and we have some art prints from different artists,” she said.
Kelly said it’s nice to see people buying art for themselves and also as gifts. West Virginia flair is always a big hit featuring cryptids like Mothman and The Flatwoods Monster created by Liz Pavlovic.
Kelly said it’s nice to see people coming out carrying their reusable bags and visiting all the shops downtown. Across the street the store Hoot and Howl was filled with people. Kelly and owner of Hoot and Howl Stephanie Swaim both carry unique fair and also shop at each other’s stores.
“She’s got awesome stuff and it’s so nice because it’s stuff that you don’t find anywhere else. She really finds different artists, really unique, really good stuff. It’s great because we just bounce people back and forth,” said Kelly.
With so many people coming in and out of the store during the holidays, Kelly said there’s a little something for everyone available at the store.
“There’s so many people that come here, they’ll come in one day before Christmas and just buy something for every person in their family,” she said.
Across the street at Hoot and Howl, Swaim was seeing steady flows of foot traffic throughout the day. One shopper, Stephanie Toothman, was looking for Christmas gifts for her family. The things she looks for are local and handmade.
“Obivously Hoot and Howl has some fabulous things and it’s so neat because every time I’m in here there’s a couple new things. It’s kinda one of those places you really need to come frequently to make sure you’re not missing out on anything,” said Toothman.
Soon after Hoot and Howl opened, Toothman started visiting the store. She likes to buy herself jewelry and skin products because they’re all natural.
Supporting local economy is important to Toothman. She said there is so much talent in Morgantown, West Virginia and throughout the region and buying a gift locally is the “cherry on top” because she’s supporting local businesses.
“I’ve been coming out to Small Business Saturday for the last couple years now and it’s just that wonderful feeling of, again, that sense of community and to see everyone’s support,” said Toothman.
