Berlin business owners prepare for Small Business Saturday

BERLIN, Md. – Black Friday is just around the corner and shoppers are anxious to spend their extra cash.

With all the hype, local mom and pop stores are also hoping to score big on Small Business Saturday.

“It just keeps towns going,” said Noreen Clyne, employee at Sister’s.

“Little small towns like Berlin, it’s really the life blood of the town these little small businesses,” said Clyne.

Small Business Saturday is only a few days away.

In Berlin, shops are already gearing up, offering promotions and unique events.

“The streets are all lit up,” said Clyne.

“It’s dark and people come out, and again they come down to Sister’s to shop or to go to our bar here,” said Clyne.

Many people will also choose to shop online, so local business owners are finding new ways to draw them into their shops.

“I know that people like to go online and do all their shopping, and I know it’s convenient, but small businesses are the backbone of America,” said Clyne.

“We have a bar here at Sister’s, so we’ll have some wine and beer,” said Clyne.

“More refreshments, more of just that home feeling rather than a big department store that’s just giving you things,” said Kelsey Birch, employee at Patty Jeans Boutique.

Employees tell 47 ABC that it is much more than the feeling of home that helps these businesses thrive. It is also the connections they make with the customers that will last a lifetime.

“I hate to see people just sit at home all the time to shop,” said Clyne, “You get such fellowship when you go out and talk to merchants or meet friends on the streets and you go to lunch.”

Employees say events like Small Business Saturday are critical for small businesses, especially during the slower seasons.