The Onion City is getting its shops ready for Small Business Saturday. The Small Businesses Administration spent their Friday morning in Winooski to encourage people to “shop small” this holiday season as business owners struggle with major downtown construction projects.Businesses say they’re facing significant challenges as they work through the Main Street revitalization project, and it’s harder to attract foot traffic.”They’re the backbone of our community,” said Vermont Sen. Peter Welch, who was also in attendance.The SBA took a walking tour of some of the shop owners in the Winooski circle, including Golden Hour Gifts, Vermont Furniture Designs and Autumn Records.”We’re always happy when people come in to support their local shop. That’s what we’re here for,” said Greg Davis, owner and operator of Autumn Records. Autumn Records opened its doors in 2017.Davis says he, like his neighboring businesses, relies on the holidays to keep the lights on.”I get nervous about some of the construction projects. If that will affect foot traffic or people just saying, “I don’t want to drive over there; it’s too hard to get to,” Davis said.Sen. Peter Welch said he hopes events like this walking tour will shine a spotlight on these shops in time for Small Business Saturday. “The folks in retail work really hard. That’s worth supporting,” Welch said.Small Business Saturday is held on Nov. 30.
The Onion City is getting its shops ready for Small Business Saturday.
The Small Businesses Administration spent their Friday morning in Winooski to encourage people to “shop small” this holiday season as business owners struggle with major downtown construction projects.
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Businesses say they’re facing significant challenges as they work through the Main Street revitalization project, and it’s harder to attract foot traffic.
“They’re the backbone of our community,” said Vermont Sen. Peter Welch, who was also in attendance.
The SBA took a walking tour of some of the shop owners in the Winooski circle, including Golden Hour Gifts, Vermont Furniture Designs and Autumn Records.
“We’re always happy when people come in to support their local shop. That’s what we’re here for,” said Greg Davis, owner and operator of Autumn Records.
Autumn Records opened its doors in 2017.
Davis says he, like his neighboring businesses, relies on the holidays to keep the lights on.
“I get nervous about some of the construction projects. If that will affect foot traffic or people just saying, “I don’t want to drive over there; it’s too hard to get to,” Davis said.
Sen. Peter Welch said he hopes events like this walking tour will shine a spotlight on these shops in time for Small Business Saturday.
“The folks in retail work really hard. That’s worth supporting,” Welch said.
Small Business Saturday is held on Nov. 30.
