TIFTON, Ga. – The day after Thanksgiving has turned into a major shopping day, but this year shoppers are urged by the local business community to rethink their usual Black Friday routine and shop local small businesses. Tifton has many small businesses that will have sales and special events beginning the day after Thanksgiving.

Small Business Saturday, which was a campaign started by American Express in 2010, has been a success, according to the Small Business Saturday website. Last year, an estimated 95 million people shopped at a small business, and that number is expected to grow this year. The campaign, which was originally only for AmEx members, has gained a lot of local support from the community and Downtown Development. 

Lequrica Gaskins, economic development director for Tifton’s Downtown Development Authority, said it is important to focus on “supporting the heartbeat of our downtown,” referring to local businesses. “We want to encourage folks to find those unique, one-of-a-kind gifts that you can’t find other places.”

Many small businesses feature local artists and artisans, such as the Plough Gallery, located at 1302 College Ave. The Plough Gallery features handmade pottery, jewelry and other art from small-scale artists. Owners Mark Errol and Glenn Josey want to bring a sense of community and culture to Tifton through their products, which feature unique, handmade works from more than 45 artists from all over the country, particularly from the Southeast. Each item is not only unique, but has a story to go along with it that Errol is happy to relate. “To me, its more like a really god meal that someone cooks for you, rather than a meal you can buy at a restaurant,” Errol said, referring to the type of product he carries. He also said that small businesses support other small businesses, enriching the community further. 

Supporting local and small businesses is also a good thing for the customer, business leaders said. Lynn Roberts, co-owner of Roberts and Co. Jewelers, located at 169 Love Ave., said that she feels small businesses can give more personal, customized service to each customer than chain stores, because small businesses have the time to devote to each customer. “I like to get to know customers on a personal level,” she said, because she is better able to help them find exactly what they are looking for. Roberts also said that she feels small businesses push each other to be better while keeping prices competitive, which benefits the customer.

Many local businesses, such as Walls of Books Bookstore, 357 Main Street, are owned and operated by local entrepreneurs, in this case Lois Harper and her family. The business is family owned and family oriented, with a trade in policy and a special room in the back for children. Proceeds from local businesses such as the bookstore remain in the local economy, giving it a boost. “Its fun participate in all the activities,” Harper said. She said she feels like her store is more about providing a service to the community than just a business.