There are shopping deals at national retailers on the day after Thanksgiving, but Park City leaders hope Parkites also opt to spend their money at other stores the next day.
The Park City Council recently approved a resolution proclaiming Saturday as Small Business Saturday in the community, a statement of support of numerous locally owned businesses as the holiday-shopping season begins. It is the day after Black Friday, known for heavy shopping at national retailers.
The elected officials typically approve a similar resolution as Thanksgiving and the shopping season that follows the holiday approach. The resolution approved this year is similar to those in the past as it highlights what Mayor Nann Worel and the City Council see as the importance of small businesses. They did not discuss the resolution in any depth prior to the vote.
The one-page resolution notes much of the money spent at small businesses — 68 cents per dollar — “stays in the local community and every dollar spent at small businesses creates an additional 48 cents in local business activity as a result of employees and local businesses purchasing local goods and services.”
“The government of Park City, Utah, celebrates our local small businesses and the contributions they make to our local economy and community,” the resolution says, describing small businesses create employment opportunities and noting 46.4% of private sector workers are employed by small businesses.
A City Hall report drafted in anticipation of the recent meeting also highlighted small businesses, saying they “are the lifeblood of our city, and we salute small business owners, entrepreneurs, and employees for enhancing our community and expanding opportunities for all the residents of Park City and the surrounding communities.”
“The hard work and ingenuity of our small business owners are helping to sustain our economic strength, vitality and authenticity,” it says.
The holiday shopping season is generally not considered as important to Park City businesses as elsewhere since so much spending occurs during the core months of the ski season, but the stretch between the day after Thanksgiving and Christmas is nonetheless a key period for retailers. There are promotions like the Snow Globe Stroll on Main Street designed to create a festive atmosphere for holiday shoppers.
The Park City Chamber/Bureau is also encouraging shoppers to choose small businesses. Jennifer Wesselhoff, the president and CEO of the Chamber/Bureau, spoke in support of small businesses at the recent City Council meeting. She addressed the topic in prepared statements in response to a Park Record inquiry about Small Business Saturday.
“Our small businesses are the cultural fabric of the business community. Our small business community is what separates us from other destinations, adding the local color and flavor that make Park City a truly unique place in the world. From world class restaurants to born and bred local products and innovations, our small business community is a vital part of the Wasatch Back and broader Utah economy,” she said.
Wesselhoff explained what she sees as the importance of money spent at small businesses, supporting the language in the City Hall resolution.
“This means more economic impact going to support our community and those who serve it. Shopping local also helps preserve our local culture and helps maintain our feeling of community. When you shop, dine or stay local you’re not only supporting our economy, but meeting the people who make this place the wonderful community it is and building relationships that will help to create a successful and sustainable future for Park City and the Wasatch Back,” she said.