NASHVILLE, TN (WTVF) — It’s been a rough few years for small businesses.
They had to work through temporary closures due to the pandemic, then supply chain shortages, and now economic uncertainty.
Many are hoping for a fruitful small business on Saturday.
“Small Business Saturday morning, we were all like dancing. Ready, we were ready. All the other stores behind us were excited and we had a blast. It was busy,” Carrie Lynn said of Stanford.
Stanford and other employees at Gift Horse at the Motherland Mall in East Nashville looked forward to small business Saturday.
“I wouldn’t say I’m worried. I’m more concerned that it’s going to be too busy.”
Small Business went well Saturday at Gift Horse in East Nashville.
This has a great boost to the sales of small stores.
Spending by consumers who shop at independent retailers and restaurants on Small Business Saturdays will reach an estimated $23.3 billion in 2021, according to the U.S. Small Business Administration.
But if you only walk a few doors, that Saturday will be different for everyone.
“Ever since I opened this store at Shoppes in Fatherland, many, many years ago,” says Jennifer Miguel.
“This year is different because the pandemic hit a lot of people, and I think we’re feeling the effects of the recession, or whatever you want to call it, the effects of inflation, and all those things we’re hearing on the news.”
Miguel is the owner of Konadu Body Care by Nature. It was a slow Saturday for her business, she said.
Miguel said she has survived tornadoes and pandemics.
Now she faces supply chain shortages and rising shipping costs. She hoped she would survive.
“I’m a little worried, but I also want you to know that things won’t get that bad.”
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“I think it’s important to get back to our community before we go elsewhere,” Heather Young said.
Young said this is important because these small business owners are neighbors, friends and even family.
“It’s her livelihood, you know, why not.”
Miguel said she appreciates customers who shop locally and ask others to do the same.
“If you confide in us, we give back to the community,” Miguel said. “I think it’s a win-win for all of us.”