Nov. 19, 2016 – West Bend, WI – Businesses in downtown West Bend are working to promote Small Business Saturday on Nov. 26.
The day after Black Friday is one of the busiest shopping weekends of the year dedicated to supporting small businesses.
Small Business Saturday was an effort launched in 2010 by American Express; the goal is to encourage area families to shop small, independently-owned businesses in their community and help fuel the economy.
“Family-owned businesses have big advantages over big box stores,” said Todd Tennies with Tennies Ace Hardware.
“You see us in our stores, we know the factory representatives, we stand behind our products, and we generally go the extra mile when it comes to customer service,” said Tennies.
“Family-owned businesses often support community events, fund raisers and local sports teams,” said Tennies. “And we have a great deal of concern for what happens in our community.”
Phil Dhein is a longtime Tennies Ace Hardware employee.
“We work to understand the customer’s problem; whether it’s showing them how to repair a toilet or install a light switch. We also follow up on special requests and orders that are a normal part of the job with local businesses,” said Dhein.
“Big-box stores often lack the ability to take the initiative to order unusual items or they think there isn’t enough profit in it.”
Tennis Ace Hardware is a well established business in West Bend dating back more than 40 years.
There are many other locally-owned businesses in downtown West Bend including Savoring Thyme, Laughing Mountain Popcorn, West Bend Tap & Tavern, Century Farmhouse Soaps, Krimmer’s Restaurant, Sager’s Men’s Apparel, Husar’s House of Fine Diamonds, Sal’s Pizza, Mountain Outfitters, Idle Hour or Two, Café Seourette, and Laurel’s Camera and Gift.
“Money spent at a locally-owned business is more likely to be spent again at another locally-owned business,” said Pat Fehring from Laurel’s Camera.
As the holiday shopping season kicks into high gear the business community in downtown West Bend is encouraging neighbors to spend their money locally.