‘Need your support’: Upcoming weekend crucial for many local small businesses

CHARLOTTE — Small businesses are banking on more traffic this upcoming holiday weekend with Black Friday and Small Business Saturday.

The weekend will be a critical time for local businesses, especially those hit hard by the pandemic.

“Really encouraging people to shop small, not just one day a year but it is all the time,” said Sarah Baucom, co-owner of Girl Tribe. “Especially this fourth quarter, every single small business needs your support.”

Baucom told Channel 9 their annual revenue is still down from earlier this year since they lost 50% of their profit by having to cancel Girl Tribe pop-ups.

This entire week, her business is offering 20% off in-store and online to get customers to shop. At noon on Wednesday, the shop is launching a Black Friday shopping pass, allowing customers to purchase a time slot to shop either in the store or online to secure deeper discounts.

Proceeds from the ticket sales will go to the Urban Ministry Center.

Baucom said the holiday rush should help other small businesses bounce back from the pandemic. She just had one reminder for customers who plan to shop online.

“Also knowing that shopping small and shopping early is really important because of the USPS delays that we’re seeing,” she said. “I’m seeing a lot of people who are shutting their shipping off by the 15th of December. You really have to shop early this year.”

Pandemic not hurting bigger retailers

The pandemic has not only changed Thanksgiving Day but it has also turned Black Friday shopping on its head.

We’re just days away from the annual shopping event, but don’t expect to see many people lining up outside stores to take advantage of deals.

Some have already scored those Black Friday discounts online.

>> In the video below, reporter Gina Esposito has some tips on the best days to shop for certain items.

What is the best day to make holiday purchases?

Cox Media Group