As Black Friday was winding down, locally-owned shops were gearing up for the season’s next big shopping event: Small Business Saturday. Crafted at the Port of Los Angeles in San Pedro will feature than 100 artists who will be selling one-of-a-kind-treasures and handmade creations to mark the day. Lolita Lopez reports from San Pedro for the NBC4 News at 5…
Started two years ago by a major credit card company, Small Business Saturday was created to follow the major shopping frenzy of Black Friday and has transformed into a movement, according to at least one small-business owner in Los Angeles.
“I have never seen so many emails and received so much publicity on small business,” said Tish Pollack, with Diva Beads.
That publicity has led to more sales for her and business partner Peggy Forrester.
"I think what you get is something where you meet the artisan and you get something especially in here that is completely one of a kind," Forrester said.
And small businesses are at Crafted, a market place inside the 1940s-era warehouse at the Port of Los Angeles, are celebrating Small Business Saturday with special deals for most vendors. The market opened in July.
Shoppers, like Susan Paslov, say they appreciate that special attention to detail.
Cindy Troianello came looking for gifts until she stopped at the Three Pretty Pennies Booth.
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"I almost immediately forgot about other people when I saw these," she said.
Paul Iberts said he was inspired to call in the forces when he saw what local small businesses had to offer.
"I made a phone call to my wife and told her to bring her mom and sister down here," Iberts said. "This would be right down their alley."
With items ranging from $10 to $300, there is a price point for almost anyone.
And, Three Pretty Pennies’ Sheree Fahey said, there’s no extra costs to customize for her clients.
"If someone wants to send me an image, I can do a one-of-a-kind piece of wearable art," Fahey said.
Forrester embodies a similar attitude.
"We want to make it,” she said, “and we want it to go away and make somebody happy."
