Small Business Saturday Lures Shoppers With 'Buy Local' Message

If in downtown Northville attracted even just one new customer because , owner Trevor McInnis would consider the event a success.

“People need to support their local businesses if they want them to be here,” he said.

Small Business Saturday – which has been heavily advertised by sponsor American Express – is a nationwide movement to shop local the day after The second annual event encourages “supporting small businesses on one of the busiest shopping weekends of the year,” according to its website. The goal: to "help fuel the economy.”

McInnis owns Baby Bliss with his wife, Colleen. The two have four children, which is why he prides himself on being able to make specific recommendations to customers about merchandise.

“I know our products,” he said.

A big point of pride that sets small businesses apart from the box stores is the level of customer care, several owners said.

“It’s all about service,” owner, Christine Van Dam, said.

She added: “This is a fun experience, spending the day strolling through Northville...Fighting crowds at the mall is usually exasperating. This is a whole different experience.”

That's what Northville resident Denise Smith said attracted her to the Main Street merchants on Saturday.

“I never go to the mall. I hate crowds,” Smith said. Small businesses “are friendlier and more accommodating. And it feels good to go in there. I think they appreciate their business more.”