By Cory L. Higgs
Whether shopping for unique gifts or getting into the holiday spirit, Meadows of Dan is the scene Saturday of both a county-wide campaign to support local merchants and the Meadows of Dan Christmas Parade.
Proprietors in the mountain top community will take center stage on Nov. 30 during the 10th annual Small Business Saturday, with some offering sales or other events to attract customers.
Dreama Stimely of Mountain Mercantile, said, the store will offer a 25 percent off sale on almost all inventory during the event, with the exception of consignment items.
Stimely said that in her experience, the focus on shopping local has been instrumental to increasing her revenue stream.
“I can’t say it’s all the Small Business Saturday, but it helps out,” she said, and noted that she had seen some lasting effects with shoppers who had been unaware of her store stopping to shop. Many also have returned, she said.
The store features an array of Christmas gifts and decorations, according to Stimely, who also noted that local churches and organizations use the business’ parking lots as a base of operations for doling out holiday treats and other events.
Janie Spence, of Jane’s Country Café, said while she is participating in Small Business Saturday, she anticipates most of her business later in the afternoon. A majority, she said, will be the initial rush of hungry parade-goers.
Noting the cafe is one of a few restaurants in the area and does not offer retail shopping, Spence said that she believes if there were more businesses and if the location encompassed a larger town, the shop local campaign would have more of an impact on her business. However, she said the related advertising helps.
Other business owners could not immediately be reached for comment about the impact of Small Business Saturday, which is promoted by the Patrick County Chamber of Commerce.
“Small businesses are the heart of this county. When you shop small, you make a big difference for our businesses and our community,” the chamber’s website stated.
The Meadows of Dan Christmas Parade begins at 3 p.m. There is no theme and no fee for entries.
Then parade will be followed by followed by Cookies with Santa and a Tree Lighting ceremony.
