Downtown shops prepare for biggest day of year: Small business Saturday

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — Some shops in downtown Wilmington are already preparing and changing their hours for the big shopping weekend ahead.

As you prepare for a big day of cooking, eating, and family, in downtown Wilmington Kerri Ramsey at Candles Etc. is preparing for a day that comes after Thanksgiving.

“Making sure we have enough candles out for the crowds that are going to be coming,” Ramsey said.

So are her neighbors across the street at Edge of Urge.

“Making sure we have everything in stock,” Jess Foster said. “Things that have been selling well, making sure we have those, great gift ideas for people.”

It is not all for Black Friday though.

“Small Business Saturday is the bigger day for us,” Foster said.

“Small Business Saturday is a huge day for us,” Ramsey said.

No matter which store you walk into downtown right now, you will find excitement brewing everywhere.

“I mean it’s the biggest day usually of the year for most small businesses, certainly for us,” Foster said.

Foster said Edge of Urge will be open an hour later each day starting now and they do have something special planned for Friday.

“We are going to have some Ginger Snaps and Cider out for everybody,” Foster said.

Saturday is the big day.

“The first probably 10 people that come in, details to come, but we’re going to do a free tote giveaway and then we have a bunch of sales going on,” Foster said.

Across the street, Ramsey will have new scents like Deck the Halls and Mrs. Claus’ cookies along with deals.

“Three or more candles, you get 10% off,” Ramsey said.

While everyone is excited to welcome the crowds, Ramsey said they all get excited about something a little more than that.

“Just everyone supporting the local businesses,” Ramsey said. “We are very excited.”

It is that big support that makes Saturday a huge day for small businesses.