HAMBURG, N.Y. (WKBW) — This year's Small Business Saturday is a significant part of the holiday season for small businesses owners, as they try to recover from the economic impact of COVID-19.
In the Village of Hamburg, owner of T Boutique Taylor Balbierz said the community's support for small businesses has been a major help.
"Everything obviously is a little bit more quiet, a little bit slower. But we still have seen a lot of support, people are still shopping with us," she said.
According to the American Express Shop Small Impact study, shoppers want to do their part to support small businesses this holiday season. In fact, 75 percent said they will shop small to support their favorite local shops and restaurants during this challenging time.
"The more that we support each other, the more there will be standing after all of this ends. And they're the businesses that give back to the community. A lot of organizations and a lot of fundraisers and things look to us."
Business owners tell us although it's a bit slower compared to past years, they're seeing a lot of traffic online.
"I'm actually offering free delivery to the south towns on my website for free. And of course, all my orders online are shipping free for $35 and over," said Elizabeth Maute, owner of Graphic-Poetry.
"We've had a lot of online orders, which is amazing. A lot of people just shopping from home," said Balbierz.
State Assemblywoman Monica Wallace has urged state officials to avoid elevating Erie County to a red zone, which would force stores to shut down during the critical holiday season.
Stating quote: "A shutdown for the next month would cripple struggling small retailers and devastate “Main Street” communities throughout Western New York."
