With storefronts closed, Doylestown shops band together for virtual Small Business Saturday

PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Small business owners in Doylestown are fighting to stay alive while their doors remain closed during the coronavirus pandemic, so they’ve turned to the virtual marketplace.

Small Business Saturday is traditionally the Saturday after Thanksgiving. But Derrick Morgan, co-owner of the Monkey’s Uncle, which sells retro sports apparel, is banding with more than 50 other merchants to hold a virtual small business event this Saturday.

“Unfortunately, a lot of these businesses are trying to find a way to survive the stay-at-home orders until they are able to open the doors again. By being able to support these small businesses now when we need it most, we can help ensure that they will be around come November when Small Business Saturday would typically happen,” he said.

The virtual event includes special deals, free shipping, no-contact hand deliveries, and curbside pickup. 

One toy store, Busy Bee, is even offering a FaceTime tour of the shop, so you can browse the aisles without leaving the couch. 

“You can pay with a credit card right over the phone,” Morgan added.

He said at least two business owners in the area have closed for good, so he hopes the need for shoppers is real.

For a full list of stores participating in Small Business Saturday, visit the Discover Doylestown website.