Owego merchants are gearing up for the holiday season and are celebrating the Shop Small movement in conjunction with American Express Small Business Saturday\u00ae on Nov. 25.<\/p>\n
Small Business Saturday\u00ae 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.<\/p>\n
According to the American Express Shop Small \u00ae website, over 112 million shoppers spent over $15.4 billion at small businesses on Small Business Saturday in 2016.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Participating merchants, at the time of this print, include Black Cat Gallery, The Hand of Man and River Rose Caf\u00e9, Katie’s Kreations and Gifts, The Goat Boy, Sincerely Yours Greeting Cards and Gifts, Lily Style Loft, Van Horn Jewelers, Carol\u2019s Coffee and Art Bar, The Laughing Place, The Owego Kitchen, Original\u2019s Bar and Lounge, Up the Creek Ladies Consignment Boutique, Artisan\u2019s 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\u2019s Fudge, and Crystal City Olive Oil.<\/p>\n
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. <\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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. <\/p>\n
Also, on Small Business Saturday, the arts council will be having a Kids Stop Small Art Shop, providing some fun coloring activities for kids. <\/p>\n
In addition to the Tioga County Declaration, there will also be a \u201cSmall Business Saturday Village of Owego\u201d Declaration, if not already done. There will also be a Small Business Saturday Welcome banner to welcomes guest to Owego.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Santa and Mrs. Claus will be strolling around the village, as well. <\/p>\n
To learn more, visit the \u201cSmall Business Saturday – Shopping in Owego\u201d event on Facebook. <\/p>\n
Julie Lovelass, owner of The Owego Kitchen, has been designated as Tioga County\u2019s \u201cNeighborhood Champion\u201d for Small Business Saturday\u00ae.<\/p>\n
In addition to the planned event, all Tioga County businesses can take advantage of resources available through American Express Shop Small \u00ae website, such as downloadable posters and other promotional items.<\/p>\n