Friday, November 23, 2012
Owner Cathy Campbell said Details' selection of accessories made great holiday gifts.
At Details of Occoquan, owner Cathy Campbell believes that the quality of customer service is what sets the small store apart from the mall or big box stores, drawing customers on Small Business Saturday. "You come in, we'll take your bags, we'll wrap things for you, we'll suggest things for you, we'll help you try things on, and we'll take the time for you," Campbell said. "I don't think you're going to get this in the mall." Campbell said that the younger generation of customers is used to being "ordered around" by mall store employees. "They don't expect service," she said. Details also focuses on selling products made in the United States. Accessories are particularly popular, especially during the holiday season. "You can get many …
Get out this weekend with events in Prince William County and the surrounding area.
New Dominion Choraliers Carolling in Occoquan When/Where: Nov. 24, 12 p.m. Outside Quinn's Jewelers, Occoquan. Why Go: Holiday music provides the perfect atmosphere for Small Business Saturday shopping. Price: Free. Lovettsville Christkindlmarkt When/Where: Nov. 24, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. 18 S. Berlin Pike, Lovettsville. Why Go: Live music, traditional German foods, artisans, crafts, and children's activities. Price: $3. The Nutcracker When/Where: Nov. 24, 7 p.m. 9525 Main Street, Fairfax. Why Go: Fairfax Ballet Company dancers, "along with students from the Russell School of Ballet and special guest artists from the San Diego City Ballet, will entertain the local community Thanksgiving weekend." Price: $22. Chanticleer: A Chanticleer …
Thursday, November 22, 2012
The home decor and accessories shop enjoys a spike in traffic during the holidays.
The seasonal flags often draw customers into Willow Street Decor in Occoquan, but the home decor, vintage furniture, and accessories make them take a second look. The shop always sees a surge in customer traffic during the fall and holiday season, co-owner Nancy Ryson said. "This time of year is our great time," she said. A perennially popular item is the red brie baker, available during the holiday season. The white brie bakers, which are also popular, are available year-round. Ryson displays her wares on vintage shabby chic furniture that she also sells. Various bird decorations nest in the entryway, and the shelf next to the sale counter is stocked with homemade fruit salsas from a Winchester family business. Related content:
Wednesday, November 21, 2012
Polka Dot Divas is decked out for the holidays.
For Polka Dot Divas, Small Business Saturday is only one of many days on which their local regulars support the small store. "We have a lot of locals here that support us, and that's what keeps us going through the wintertime," co-owner Julie Marshall said. But Small Business Saturday also brings a surge in customers who don't regularly frequent the shop, but still want to support a small business on that day. Anticipated popular items this year include bottle stoppers and bottle openers, both of which come in various sassy designs, and scarves imported from London. "They're ahead of the curve; they're fashion-forward," employee Lorelei Kennedy said, noting that the nearest store that sold them outside of Occoquan was in Richmond.
Tuesday, November 20, 2012
Start your holiday shopping at locally owned stores during Small Business Saturday.
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Tuesday, November 20, 2012
Small Business Saturday is on Nov. 24 this year, two days after Thanksgiving. It is a day for everyone to support the small businesses that their community thrives on. American Express founded the day in 2010 to help small businesses get exposure during the holiday season, when they might be otherwise overlooked. With retailers buzzing around the holidays, it is important to support local small businesses that rely on their neighbors in order to continue prospering and building the local economy in Occoquan. Last year, 100 million people nationwide participated in Small Business Saturday by shopping at locally owned stores to help boost the economy and their communities. Here's a sampling of 10 Occoquan businesses taking part in Small …
The independent bookstore specializing in cookbooks and cookware will likely see a bump in holiday traffic.
After the mad rush on Black Friday, Occoquan merchants like Salt & Pepper Books owner Christine Myskowski want shoppers to remember the small business community in Occoquan on Small Business Saturday on Nov. 24. Occoquan merchants can't compete with Black Friday sales, but Myskowski thinks that's a good thing. "This is a unique town and we can’t compete with those kinds of bargain deals that people get on Black Friday, because these are such small shops," she said. "I think people come here for a different reason. People are always more relaxed when they get here.” Myskowski doesn't rely as much on holiday traffic now that her business is more established. "But holidays are a bump up, that's for sure," she said. Small Business Saturday …
Monday, November 19, 2012
Patch is compiling a list of Small Business Saturday deals for the eastern side of Prince William County. Share yours here.
Small Business Saturday is on Nov. 24 this year, two days after Thanksgiving. It is a day for everyone to support the small businesses their community thrives on. This year, Patch is putting together a list of local Small Business Saturday deals. If you are a small business owner, leave your deal in the comments section below, so readers can find all the small business deals in one place. American Express founded the day in 2010 to help small businesses get exposure during the holiday season, when they might be otherwise overlooked. With retailers buzzing around the holidays, it is important to support local small businesses that rely on their neighbors in order to continue prospering and building the local economy in. Last year, 100 …
How will your finances affect your holiday spending?
Two-thirds of respondents to a recent poll by the NPD Group said they “plan to spend about the same” as last year, while 10 percent planned to “spend more.” With the economy and job situation still in flux for many families, we want to know what families in Prince William County plan to do for Christmas, Hanukah or Kwanzaa gifts in 2012. Will you be more creative with your gifting? Use sites like Groupon, Living Social, etc? Brave Black Friday sales? Cook or bake for familty and friends?
Monday, October 22, 2012
AOL Chairman and CEO Tim Armstrong gives advice to small business owners via Patch Partners.
There are many small businesses in Lake Ridge and Occoquan. Some of them may be places you and your family frequent, businesses that have been in Lake Ridge and Occoquan for as long as you can remember. And some may be your go-to places instead of national chains. AOL Chairman and CEO Tim Armstrong may stand behind a global brand, but he believes in the power of small businesses. In his recent interview with Patch Partners, a website connecting business owners to Patch in local communities, he offered his insight into what can set a small business above the rest of the competition. Small businesses can hold a lot of power if they are intuitive with their customer base, Armstrong said. “Small businesses can be nimble and can have intimate …
Saturday, November 27, 2010
Today, American Express cardholders can help the economy by shopping locally.
Just as Black Friday is known as a big shopping day immediately following Thanksgiving, American Express has now introduced a shopping event known as Small Business Saturday. Beyond promotions for its customers, Amex is encouraging its members to shop at local businesses over the holiday weekend to help their respective economies. Amex holders will receive a one time $25 credit to their monthly statement when they shop for and purchase items at small businesses with their American Express credit card today, in honor of Small Business Saturday. And what better place to exercise that Amex card than in Occoquan, which offers a town full of easily accessible and locally owned shops, restaurants, and boutiques. The economy has affected tourism…
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