Shopping small

Whether it was a nice lunch at the Do Drop Inn or a new pair of boots at Bar G Western Wear, the Portales square was buzzing with activity during Small Business Saturday.

While Black Friday may bring mega sales and mega crowds, Small Business Saturday is about supporting hometown retailers.

"Our sales carried over from Black Friday to (Saturday)," said Fern Goodson, who owns Bar G Western Wear in Portales with her husband Buz Goodson. "Several people have come in today and knew it was Small Business Saturday. It's awesome that people know about it and give back to the community this way."

The western wear store owner went on to explain how they try to be active in the community, helping out local organizations and schools when they can, buying raffle tickets for fundraisers and more.

Meanwhile, merchants along Main Street in Clovis expressed optimism Small Business Saturday would help trigger a profitable holiday season.

"Our customers realize the importance of shopping at the smaller stores and we're very appreciative of them for having that mindset," said Carl Moore, owner of From Us To You gift shop. "It helps the local economy and has the potential to give smaller store owners the momentum that can carry us through to the end of the year."

Pat Grah operates Penny Lane with her husband, Roger Grah. She extended kudos to area shoppers for keeping Small Business Saturday at the forefront of their retail to-do list.

"It has been a really good morning," Pat Grah said. "It's really good the community supports the small businesses. The big chains start their sales so early, which makes it difficult for the little shops to compete. It's nice that the community remembers small shops. We're hopeful, thankful and fortunate. Clovis is a really nice community and without the community none of the local businesses would be able to survive."

Susie Lonsinger is a friend of Pat Grah and said the small business experience offers a unique touch.

"There was a gentleman that came in today that grew up in England and his family is here now," she said. "He was excited to come in and get some of the English candy for his kids because it reminded him of his childhood. When people come through here they feel the vibe of a hometown place. We recognize them and know them by name, which makes it all the more special. We're grateful for the support."

Debbie Martinez, manager of Consigning Women in Portales, said, "Saturdays are normally busy for us. It has been fairly steady, but this (Small Business Saturday) does bring in more people."

Many of the businesses in Portales were helped on Saturday by Main Street Portales, a Main Street America affiliate, whose goal is to help build stronger communities through preservation and economic development. Many of the stores actively participating in Small Business Saturday were given cloth shopping bags to hand out at their stores as part of the effort.

Using street signs and word of mouth, stores like Bar G also actively use social media to spread the word about the event and their sales. Main Street Portales also helped promote the sales via its Facebook page.