Local Businesses To Kick Off Holiday Shopping
/By Janee Law
jlaw@longislandergroup.com
Madison’s Niche manager Danielle Brennan and assistant manager Arianna Trautenberg are preparing the store for Small Business Saturday, when it will offer a 20 percent off discount for a single item.
Local businesses in Huntington village are gearing up for the upcoming Small Business Saturday. Also joining the Town of Huntington’s seventh annual Holiday Parade and Street Festival, which is also set for Nov. 26, businesses throughout the village plan to offer discounts to kick off the holiday shopping season.
For Small Business Saturday, Birkenstock Depot, a shop that sells footwear and apparel, will be working with American Express to promote the importance of shopping at small businesses. Sales Associate Kayla Garafola said that customers earn rewards when they use their American Express card for store purchases. She added that customers can also take a look at what other business in the village are doing the same promotion by going to AmericanExpress.com. Garafola said that last year’s Small Business Saturday was a success, with the parade bringing more traffic into the store. “It definitely brings business into Huntington,” she said. “I hope that we make extra sales, and that we get people that wouldn’t originally come into the door.”
Discounts perfect for furry friends will be available at Fetch this Small Business Saturday. The shop, which sells dog apparel, treats and toys, will offer 10 percent off all dog sweaters and coats. Co-owner Karen Durka said that the sale will be Saturday and Sunday. Last year, the store was very busy, said Durka, who added that she spent two hours ringing up holiday merchandise, treats and toys. “It was one of the biggest nights for us as retailers,” Durka said. “It’s really a lot of fun. We get to see our customers and they get to bring their dogs.” The store, which usually closes at 6 p.m., will stay open until 10 p.m. Durka added that that last year’s parade brought a lot of dogs to the village and the shop was “probably the only place people could go afterwards with their dogs.”
Bringing an edgy and casual style to Huntington village, Lot 356 Fashion Boutique will be having a storewide sale for this year’s Small Business Saturday. Owner Laurie Burlison said the store will have discounts on items, which varies between 30-50 percent off. The store will also be handing out 15 percent off single item coupons for customers to use for the remainder of the holiday season. “We’re hoping we have nice weather and that we do well this year,” Burlison said. This season, the shop will be selling sweaters and gift items, including jewelry, scarves, ponchos and more. “Our goal is to get a good turn out and get a lot of people to find gifts for the holidays,” Burlison said. “We’re hoping people come out and shop small.”
Selling home décor, clothing and jewelry, Madison’s Niche has prepared for customers to swarm its store on Small Business Saturday. Store manager Danielle Brennan said the boutique will be offering 20 percent off one item on both Saturday and Sunday. With the tree lighting to take place on Wall Street, Brennan said Small Business Saturday is a big day for the store, bringing in a big crowd. “Everyone starts their Christmas shopping and we have a lot of Christmas gift items to offer,” Brennan said. Despite last year’s rainy weather on Small Business Saturday, the shop was still busy, according to Brennan. She added, “Hopefully the weather will be good for us this year.”
New to Huntington village, surf, skate, and snow shop Nalu Dry Goods won’t miss out on its first holiday season in Huntington. Owner Marie Fischer said that on Small Business Saturday the store is offering a 10 percent discount on all regular priced apparel with a coupon that’s available on the Huntington Holiday Parade Facebook page. “Everyone said that it’s going to be great because of the parade,” Fischer said. “I just hope to get a lot of exposure.” With its first location in Bay Shore, the shop sells men, women and kids apparel and accessories based in a surf, skate and snow lifestyle. The store also sells candles, sunglasses, bathing suits and snowboard gear. “In Bay Shore, Small Business Saturday is one of our busiest days in the fall,” Fischer said. “I’m hoping that it will be the same here but because we’re so new I don’t know if people will be shopping or more looking and discovering us, and if that’s the case that’s great because hopefully they’ll come back for Christmas.”
