Some Consider It as One of the Best

Boost in Sales for Small Businesses in York during Holiday Season

Small Business Saturday brought significant increase in sales for businesses in the downtown market district of York. Boutiques, shops, and establishments in the Market District, Royal Square District, and the WeCo District all provided enticing offers and discounts to shoppers looking for holiday presents.

Initiated in 2010 by American Express, Small Business Saturday serves to uplift small businesses recovering from the Great Recession. This year marked the 13th consecutive participation for some, while for others it was their first.

Related: Promotions offered by downtown York businesses on Small Business Saturday

Small Business Saturday: A Big Success for Business Owners

Zarah Brooks, who launched Indigo Bleu, a Bohemian boutique on West Philadelphia Street, in 2014, saw an unexpected surge in foot traffic this year. “It was our best one so far,” said Brooks. “I saw a lot of new faces and returning regulars – I feel super grateful.”

Since its establishment in 1945, The Watchmaker’s Daughter on North Beaver Street has witnessed more than five decades of holiday shopping. According to Karen Reiss Staub, a third-generation jeweler, this year’s Small Business Saturday was particularly remarkable.

Small businesses all across York experienced a significant increase in both sales and number of transactions, including My Girlfriend’s Wardrobe and Preston & Jayne, a new addition to the store, owned by Alexandria Keener Hammond.

Related: Holiday festivities in Central PA: From Santa sightings to tree lightings, train rides, and crafts

Small Businesses Debut Discounts for the First Time

Jenns Marshall, co-owner of Boho Bella Collection, a vintage boutique selling home goods, fashion and art, reported that for the first time, they offered discounts on Small Business Saturday to spur sales. Despite that, this was the first year they experienced a decline in sales.

“We’re not the only small business affected. We love what we do, and it’s just a matter of revamping and rethinking how we operate our business,” she stated.

More: The Salvation Army is looking for bell ringers for the holiday season

Newcomers to Small Business Saturday

The Royal Square District’s Noel’s Rock Shop, a one-stop-shop for records, guitars, and guitar gear, experienced its first Small Business Saturday this year.

Scott Youcheff, co-owner of Noel’s Rock Shop, said, “We had a nice mix of returning and new faces come through the door and we do look forward to continued traffic through the holiday season to help finish our first year strong.”

Similarly, Central Market’s homemade jerky stand, Oh Yeah Jerky, owned by Chris and Beverly Awkward, also had its first Small Business Saturday and first year in business. “Small Business Saturday was way busier than expected. We knew our sales and exposure to new customers would increase for the special day, but the turnout was so much more, almost overwhelming,” said Beverly.