‘Small Business Saturday’ in Old Town highlights big box store alternatives

WASHINGTON — It’s that special shopping day that sits right between Black Friday and Cyber Monday. It’s called “Small Business Saturday,” and businesses in Old Town Alexandria and across the county are hoping to highlight local independent businesses that normally might have trouble competing with the big dogs.

The idea is to shop small and local. The first ever shop “Small Business Saturday” took place in November 2010 and each year it continues to grow. According to American Express, which launched the annual event, an estimated $14.3 billion was spent last year at small and independent businesses on Small Business Saturday. “I think it’s great,” says Jeff Albert owner of “Decorium Gift and Home” on King Street in Old Town Alexandria. He opened his interior design store early again this year for “Shop Small” day. Last year he opened early while other stores along King Street, which is known for its unique boutiques and restaurants, didn’t open until 10 a.m. “Usually it’s a great day,” he says, admitting it’s tough to go up against the big box stores like Walmart, and Internet giants like Amazon. But what these small businesses offer is something you can’t buy on the Internet, and his customers are not just customers. “We build relationships, it’s our friends, it’s our family. We’ve been here for 15-years so we’ve developed quite a relationship with our people.” Shari Simmans-Bolouri, VP, Marketing and Events with the Alexandria Chamber of Commerce, says more than 50 businesses in Old Town are involved with this year’s “Small Business Saturday.”