Black Friday. Small Business Saturday. Cyber Monday. Nationwide, there’s a noteworthy weekend focused on shopping for the holidays immediately after Thanksgiving. This year, it’s no different—and local small businesses want to remind community members that shopping at Mt. Pleasant retail businesses makes a huge impact on the local economy.
In fact, the Michigan Economic Development Association shares a
Civic Economic Study out of Grand Rapids that shows when someone spends $100 at a local business, approximately $68 stays in the local community.
“Local businesses are the ones that sponsor your fundraiser, support your schools program, show up to support you and your community through the good times and the bad,” says
Sleepy Dog Books co-owner Riley Justis, noting book stores typically make more than a third of their money between now and the New Year.
“We must support and enable a thriving local business community to ensure our community continues to grow and prosper," he shares.
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Photo credit Courtney Jerome / Epicenter Mt. PleasantHoliday gift baskets, book bundles, blind-date books, and sales will be available at the Sleepy Dog Books store at 120 East Broadway in downtown Mt. Pleasant on Friday, Nov. 29 and Saturday, Nov. 30.
Pleasant City Coffee also remarks on the “shop local” sentiment.
“We are so lucky to have a historic downtown where you can walk to many different businesses in one place,” says Rachael Agardy, co-owner of Pleasant City Coffee. “When you shop local, those dollars stay right here in Mt. Pleasant and impact our community. You get to interact with real people, the service is better when it’s more authentic, and the best part is getting to know one another! Shopping local and caring for each other is at the heart of what makes us a vibrant community.”
To encourage local shopping, many Mt. Pleasant businesses are hosting special discounts and events during the Black Friday and Small Business Saturday shopping weekend.
At
Trillium Fine Clothing for Women, Black Friday (which takes place Friday, Nov. 29) will be Trillium's "Customer Appreciation Day." Trillium is offering customers 25% off on one regular-priced clothing item of their choice on Friday.
Additionally at Trillium, Vera Bradley plush throw blankets will be specially priced at $30 (regularly $60). Owner Helen Chase says, “This is a favorite Christmas gift to give and receive!” and comments that customers will also receive a gift with any purchase on both Friday and Saturday in store.
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Photo credit Courtney Jerome / Epicenter Mt. PleasantTrillium Fine Clothing for Women is located at 123 East Broadway in downtown Mt. Pleasant.
On Black Friday at
Mini City, they are offering 10 play passes for kids to experience their mini-metropolis of unique rooms that mimic everyday businesses for $84. For a pre-Black Friday sale, from now until Nov. 29, customers who book a party can add an extra 30 minutes of playtime for $40 (originally $70).
Located at 800 West Broadway Street, Elliott Greenhouse and Kilwins Chocolates will offer 10% off holiday centerpieces and single boxes of Kilwins Chocolates (cash or check and carry out only) on both Black Friday and Small Business Saturday.
From Black Friday through Cyber Monday,
Pure Vitality’s gift cards will be 20% off (online, in store, or over the phone). Plus, they are offering a special “Pure Vitality Package” that includes a relaxing float pod session, a healing infrared sauna session, a deep tissue, infrared massage, a rejuvenating cryo facial, and a drink from their juice bar—it’s a three-and-a-half-hour spa individual experience for $189 and $369 for a couple.
Around the corner at 117 S. Main Street, small business
For Art’s Sake will be extending their hours from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday and Saturday of the shopping weekend. Offering snacks, drinks, and sales, the art-focused gift shop sells work of over 100 local artists.
For Art’s Sake isn’t the only shop that supports many other businesses within their walls.
“Art Reach is proud to offer unique shopping experiences, while supporting artists. When people shop local with us, they are not only helping a nonprofit, they are supporting artists,” says Amy Powell, executive director at
Art Reach of Mid Michigan. “We hope more and more people will spend their shopping dollars locally—to boost our economy in Isabella County!”
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Photo credit Courtney Jerome / Epicenter Mt. PleasantGreenTree Co-op Market is a cooperatively owned grocery store located on the west side of downtown Mt. Pleasant. GreenTree supports local farmers and producers with their offerings.“Local businesses are the heart of any city,” echoes Laura Coffee, marketing and owner services manager at GreenTree Co-op Market.
“They create a sense of personality, community, and connection that chains simply can't replicate,” she says. “If we want them to thrive, if we want Mt. Pleasant to thrive, we need to support our local businesses by shopping and sharing their stories.”
Painted Turtle Pottery Studio agrees.
“We believe that a community cannot truly thrive if the businesses owned by community members are not being supported,” says Painted Turtle Pottery Studio’s new owner, Isabelle Steffke. “Mt. Pleasant loves their small businesses and it shows.”
With special deals, events, and thoughtful holiday offerings, local small businesses highlight the charm, creativity, and dedication that help the Mt. Pleasant community thrive—and every shopping dollar spent locally this season further contributes to the area’s economic and social growth.