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Supporting Small Businesses on Black Friday

LEWISBURG — Black Friday shoppers did not only go to chain stores like Wal-Mart and Best Buy. Many people chose to spend their money at small businesses, ...
union small biz

LEWISBURG -- Black Friday shoppers did not only go to chain stores like Wal-Mart and Best Buy. Many people chose to spend their money at small businesses, like the ones in Lewisburg.

Black Friday was in full swing at Retrah on Market Street in Lewisburg. Owner Connie Harter says she opened at 8 a.m., nothing crazy.

"It's much busier. People have been very excited this year for the Christmas season to begin. I think, because of Thanksgiving, it really makes it begin," Harter said.

Stores like Retrah are competing with malls and big chain stores. But many people say they prefer the quieter atmosphere of shopping at smaller businesses in downtown Lewisburg.

"We like to shop at the local shops because you can usually find unique items that you usually don't find at the big chain stores," Gretchen Driver said.

"You can get unique things and special things, and you can't get that at the big box stores," Ruth Bergstresser said.

Ruth Bergstresser of New Columbia and her family say one of the best parts of shopping at small businesses is not fighting the big crowds at the malls.

"And parking isn't a problem. You can park close to where you want to shop," Bergstresser said.

Downtown Lewisburg is celebrating Black Friday all weekend. It's encouraging people to shop local with Small Business Saturday.

"Shop local. We're supporting the local economy. I employ a lot of local people," Harter said.

There is a holiday shopping pass available in Lewisburg. It is good all weekend at most of the stores on Market Street and gives shoppers 15 percent off one item.

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