PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — It’s one of the busiest shopping weekends of the year, and while big chains are offering some major deals, small businesses are about to take center stage.
When Ibn Craddock thinks of P’s & Q’s, the family-owned clothing store and brand he helps manage on South Street, he sees a home for many of its clientele.
“We are kinda like a living room for South Street. People just come by and relax,” Craddock said.
He says it’s for reasons like that that supporting small businesses on days like Black Friday and Small Business Saturday is so important.
“I think with a small business, they have their consumer more in mind than with a bigger business. Obviously, it’s a lot more personable,” Craddock said.
“I just am happy that people are thinking about it. The more that it becomes part of the cultural zeitgeist to support a small business, I’m here for it.”
Jess, manager of DreamEerie, a store down the street from P’s and Q’s that sells vintage home decor with a gothic flair, echoed Craddock’s sentiment saying it’s the small businesses that keep the big chains honest with what they charge.
“The big businesses, they’ll offer you deals right now, but as soon as they’ve shut out all of the competition, they’re gonna raise the prices.”
Owners encourage shoppers to also look for retailers that are volunteer-run, nonprofit, or women-owned.
For more ways to support small businesses this holiday season, click here.