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Above, Marta McNulty at Apricot Lane.
Small Business Saturday is Nov. 26, the Saturday after Thanksgiving. It was originally created and promoted by the American Express credit card brand to encourage holiday shopping on the Saturday after Thanksgiving. Now others, have joined the chorus of support.
"Small Business Saturday underscores just how important a role independently owned shops and restaurants play in every corner of the Commonwealth," said Christopher Carlozzi, NFIB State Director in Massachusetts. "These are the businesses committed to serving their communities but still face significant challenges following the pandemic like supply chain disruptions, labor shortages, and record high inflation. In order for these businesses to survive,
Massachusetts consumers must not only shop and dine locally on Small Business Saturday, but throughout the entire year.”
In Franklin, local businesses say they are ready and waiting – taking full advantage of the Black Friday frenzy but also hoping many people will take the time to shop local on Saturday.
Marta McNulty, who just opened her Apricot Lane women’s clothing store at 342 East Central Street (behind Starbucks) and is active in the Tri-County Regional Chamber, said she has been running specials all week to try to bring in customers and keep them coming.
For Saturday, she said, she is planning to offer 30% off of select tops and 30 % off of all dresses. “We will also be offering a Holiday Shopping Bag with a purchase of $75 as long as the supply lasts,” she said.
At I Have Coins & Collectibles
at 15 Main Street, proprietor Rod Crochiere said he has no particular specials – but definitely has new inventory. Rod’s specialty is, of course coins, but he also stocks of comic books and many other kinds of collectibles. And for Small Business Saturday he is staying open from 9-5 – three hours longer than usual.
And, way out at 1256 West Central Street, Botera, a cannabis dispensary and also a Tri-County chamber member, isn’t allowed to offer special deals for Small Business Saturday, noted owner Chirag Patel, but will definitely be open for business and ready to serve the public on Small Business Saturday from 10 am to 9 pm (other hours are Sunday: 10am - 8pm, Monday - Thursday: 10am - 9pm, and Friday: 10am - 10pm).
Finally, though catering throughout the year in particular to small businesses, Ken Weber, owner of the UPS Store in the Franklin Village Mall, notes that his team is ready to handle all the gift shipping needs Franklinites may have on Saturday, or throughout the season!
