Large crowds turn out to support Small Business Saturday

Small Business Saturday — on top of unseasonably great weather had shoppers out in droves — and in the holiday spirit.

There was nothing small about shopping local this saturday.

Large crowds turned out despite 37% of families reporting a not so good financial situation at home, according to one retail expert at the University of St. Thomas. 

“It is crazy, it’s like all eyes are on the consumer right now,” said Kim Sovell, a senior participating adjunct at the University of St.Thomas. “How the consumer is going to react to high prices and also react to inflation, yet want to return to a normal holiday season.”

Still, the marketing professor says consumers are expected to shop.

It’s estimated shoppers will spend at least as much as they did last year. 

“We do just these markets and the Minnesota State Fair,” said Jennifer Schmit with Roseberry Kids. “I do think more people are excited to come out and see people again and celebrate in these spaces.” 

Business owners not only hope the spending follows, but flows to make up for high prices taking a toll on small shops everywhere. 

Teresa klettenberg, of Good Things said “We have seen a lot of restaurants and a lot of businesses go down in the last year and I think it’s incredibly important to continue to support those small businesses in the Twin Cities.”