Local business owners gear up for Small Business Saturday

Frenzy over the holiday shopping season has arrived.

The National Retail Federation estimates 69 percent of Americans, about 164 million people, plan to shop during Thanksgiving weekend. That includes Thanksgiving Day, Black Friday, Small Business Saturday and Sunday.

Small Business Saturday is what helps boost profits for some locally-owned businesses in El Paso.

“It’s a really good day for us,” said Chelsie Evaldi, co-owner of Chuco Relic, located at TIME at Montecillo in west El Paso.

Chuco Relic is an El Paso-inspired gift shop where most of its items are an ode to the Sun City.

Evaldi says all their merchandise is locally made by artists from El Paso.

“When you shop at Chuco Relic, you’re not only supporting a small business, but you’re supporting a local artist,” Evaldi said.

She said customers can look forward to discounts on T-shirts and various items this weekend.

The Small Business Administration reports that $100 that is spent at a local business, about $68 stays in the local economy.

If the same $100 is spent at a large business, only $43 stays in the local economy.

The Downtown Management District has invested in paid advertising to promote the retailers of downtown El Paso.

The DMD said it recognizes the importance of small business investments to downtown.

The DMD is hosting the Wintermarket and Winterfest where customers will be able to find more merchandise made by local vendors.