A program meant to encourage shoppers to patronize local businesses is officially underway, particularly in downtown Colorado Springs.
Small Business Saturday is an annual event meant to persuade customers looking to buy gifts to do so from locally-owned businesses.
“It’s a small business family, even in Colorado Springs,” said Natilia Sibert, owner and founder of Natilia Fitness. “A lot of us know each other, we support one another, and so it’s important that we keep that money and family spirit in Colorado Springs.”
According to statistics from the Downtown Partnership of Colorado Springs, when you spend $100 locally, 70% of that stays in the community. But, when you spend $100 at a chain, 60$ of that leaves the community. Meaning, when people shop local, they are inadvertently giving back to their community.
“Small Business Saturday is our favorite day of the year and we’re just happy to see all our loyal customers out today,” said Leah Riehl, co-owner of Terra Verde Boutique.
Many of the businesses that are participating are located in the heart of downtown, but several of them are also online shops.
