Businesses in Milford see crowds for Small Business Saturday

Small Business Saturday was a success in downtown Milford

Downtown Milford was filled with shoppers on the Saturday after Thanksgiving and many were there to spend money, not just to see Santa arrive at his downtown house. According to several owners, business was excellent on the day set aside to encourage shoppers to purchase gifts locally.

“It was a great day,” Brandon Coenen, owner of Red Bandana, said. “Friday, business seemed to come in groups but on Saturday, we were steadily busy all day long.”

Eugenia Sparks, owner of Irish Rose, echoed Coenen’s sentiments.

“This was a really good day,” Sparks said. “It seemed as if it was better than last year and I did surpass the goal I set for myself.”

Small Business Saturday was founded by American Express in 2010 and officially co-sponsored by the Small Business Association in 2011. In 2023, spending at small businesses that day was around $17 billion.

“We did really well today,” Shelby Grant of June Bugs, said. “We have had a steady stream of customers all day today and many who came in purchased items. I think it may have been about the same as last year, but it may actually have been better.”

Dolce was also busy throughout the day.

“We’re overjoyed to have had an amazing Small Business Saturday,” the store posted on social media. “The shop was busy and packed all day which we appreciate so much.”

Shoppers were also excited to participate in the annual local shopping day.

“I think the local businesses actually had better deals than the big box stores had on Black Friday,” Louisa Marchon said. “Some of them have 30 and 40 percent off the entire store which is great, but they also have those unique gifts that you cannot find at the bigger chain stores.”

Carrie Jones of Felton commented that she decided to do some shopping in downtown Milford after riding with her sister whose children wanted to see Santa’s arrival.

“We just decided to wander around and visit some of the stores I didn’t even know where here,” Jones said. “I ended up marking a few people off my Christmas buying list today with the deals and unique items I found.”

Others said that shopping in downtown Milford the Saturday after Thanksgiving has become a family tradition. Many visit the downtown coffee shops for coffee, hot chocolate and baked goods before venturing down the street to check out what each store has available.

“It is just the best way to kick off the holiday season,” John Messick said. “We make it a family event, enjoy some delicious pastries and coffee, watch Santa come in on the fire truck and then spend money in local stores.”