Small Business Saturday lures more shoppers to downtown Warwick

WARWICK — It wasn't a warm "open door" day like last year.
In fact it was just the opposite. But nevertheless, on Nov. 24, the ninth annual "Small Business Saturday," a campaign launched by American Express, shoppers came out in droves to Warwick's downtown business district.
Merchants reported excellent sales and a steady flow of traffic, not only for Saturday but also for the entire weekend.
Small Business Saturday, sandwiched between Black Friday and Cyber Monday, was created to attract shoppers to local businesses nationwide.
"It was as good as last year and consistent," said Nicole Repose, owner of Etched in Time Engraving. "We're right on target."
Mary Beth Schlichting, past president of the Warwick Merchant Guild and owner of Frazzleberries Gift Shop, said that many of the shoppers told her that they had deliberately shopped in the downtown business district to show their support for small business.
"And they also told me," she said, "that they were just happy to be in Warwick."
Tim Mullally, co-owner of Style Counsel and Blue fashion shops, echoed those same sentiments.
"People are here for Small Business Saturday," he said. "I'd like to tip my hat to the person who came up with this idea."
Mayor Michael Newhard, owner of Newhard's Gift Shop, also reported that his business was also good on Friday and he expected that to be the case throughout the weekend.
Business owners cited the many advantages of shopping local including personal service, saving fuel and time, free parking, avoiding unnecessary aggravation and fueling the local economy.
- Roger Gavan