Local businesses encouraged to celebrate Small Business Saturday

Owego merchants are gearing up for the holiday season and are celebrating the Shop Small movement in conjunction with American Express Small Business Saturday® on Nov. 25.

Small Business Saturday® is an annual event that encourages the local community and visitors to shop at small, independently owned businesses on one of the busiest shopping weekends of the holiday season.

According to the American Express Shop Small ® website, over 112 million shoppers spent over $15.4 billion at small businesses on Small Business Saturday in 2016.

The Village of Owego has dozens of independently owned businesses and is known for the diversity of shops and eateries. The holiday season is the highlight of the year for most of the businesses in the charming, historic Village. They decorate their windows, fill their shelves, and welcome shoppers to browse distinct items that cannot be found in big box stores.

Participating merchants, at the time of this print, include Black Cat Gallery, The Hand of Man and River Rose Café, Katie’s Kreations and Gifts, The Goat Boy, Sincerely Yours Greeting Cards and Gifts, Lily Style Loft, Van Horn Jewelers, Carol’s Coffee and Art Bar, The Laughing Place, The Owego Kitchen, Original’s Bar and Lounge, Up the Creek Ladies Consignment Boutique, Artisan’s Townhouse, Tender Loving Care by Maureen, Courtyard Gifts, Ahwaga Paint and Floor Coverings, The Walk-Up Gallery and Studio Space, Riverow Bookshop, Early Owego Antique Center, Farmhouse Brewery, The Kitchen Store Inc., The Left Bank, Gallery 41, The Petal Pusher Gift Shop, Fuddy Duddy’s Fudge, and Crystal City Olive Oil.

There will also be a Passport on Small Business Saturday. When customers make a purchase at a participating shop/restaurant, they can have their Passport stamped. Once they have at least three stamps on their Passports, they can turn them back in at the Welcome Center to be entered into a raffle. 

Many of the above listed businesses plus a few others, such as Ice Cream Works!, have donated gift certificates, gift baskets and other goods for the free raffle.

Area businesses participate by donating goods or certificates for the free raffle, or bringing some coupons for their shops to the Welcome Center, which is open from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Small Business Saturday. 

Also, on Small Business Saturday, the arts council will be having a Kids Stop Small Art Shop, providing some fun coloring activities for kids. 

In addition to the Tioga County Declaration, there will also be a “Small Business Saturday Village of Owego” Declaration, if not already done. There will also be a Small Business Saturday Welcome banner to welcomes guest to Owego.

Photographer Lydia Corcoran will be capturing photos of the day on Saturday, and will create a short video that will be uploaded for all to share.

Santa and Mrs. Claus will be strolling around the village, as well. 

To learn more, visit the “Small Business Saturday – Shopping in Owego” event on Facebook. 

Julie Lovelass, owner of The Owego Kitchen, has been designated as Tioga County’s “Neighborhood Champion” for Small Business Saturday®.

In addition to the planned event, all Tioga County businesses can take advantage of resources available through American Express Shop Small ® website, such as downloadable posters and other promotional items.

Merchants who are interested in learning more can visit the American Express Shop Small ® at www.americanexpress.com/ShopSmall or stop in to see Julie.