By Anna Skinner
With Thanksgiving nearing quickly, Black Friday and Cyber Monday have always been known for holiday shopping deals. However, there’s another day wedged between the two that is also important: Small Business Saturday on Nov. 28.
Multiple local businesses in Westfield will be opening their doors Nov. 28 with hopes of residents shopping at their stores, including Erin O’Rear, owner of The Wandering Peacock, an art gallery in downtown Westfield.
O’Rear will be placing 10 percent discounts on her handmade pottery in honor of Small Business Saturday.
“It’s so that small businesses can thrive and compete with large, corporate America box stores,” O’Rear said. “I believe small businesses have something to offer that people are becoming aware of, and it helps the community and the economy. It’s a wonderful way to give back to your local community.”
And although O’Rear is only running discounts on her pottery, any purchase in her store helps local artists, as the work for sale is the labor of 30 different local artists around Indiana. Those artists include several from Westfield, such as Steve Miller, an impressionistic landscape painter; Linda Lutes, who makes di-chrome glass jewelry and Pamm Phares, who creates stained glass works.
“We help create what the town is. Without these wonderful businesses around here, it would just be big stores,” O’Rear said. “We aren’t necessarily the heart and soul of the town because that’s the people, but we bring vibrancy. My shop brings color and good energy and handmade gifts you aren’t able to find anywhere else. It’s the hardest thing I’ve ever done, opening up a small business, but it’s the most rewarding experience I’ve ever had. It supports people’s passion.”
The Wandering Peacock will be open from noon to 4:30 p.m. on Small Business Saturday.
Other local Westfield spots will also be participating in the annual ode to small businesses, including Betsy Rabold, general operator of My Father’s Garden Health and Wellness.
“I think Small Business Saturday is the more public recognition of what small business owners do every single day,” Rabold said. “We share in the community, and we share ourselves and our businesses, and we help to build up the smaller communities and the neighborhoods.”
On Small Business Saturday, My Father’s Garden will have choose-your-discount specials, where the buyer draws a discount to be used on their purchase. They will also have special gift card promotions.
“Small businesses are an incredibly important component of the Westfield community. They are typically owned by people that live in the community and they provide that ‘local glimpse’ into who we are as a community to visitors,” said Matthew Skelton, director of Economic and Community Development for the City of Westfield.
Union Street Flowers and Gifts will be open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Nov. 28 and will also be holding some in-store specials.
“Local businesses tend to be very generous in giving back to the community,” Skelton said. “We are fortunate to have such a long history of this in Westfield. Small Business Saturday is just one way we can express our gratitude and support for those who have given so much.”
A glance at Westfield’s small businesses
The Wandering Peacock: 141 S. Union St.; Specializes in handmade pottery, also supports other local artists with mediums such as jewelry, painting, glasswork and more.
My Father’s Garden Health and Wellness: 106 N. Union St.; Specializes in natural remedies, services and consultations to help maintain natural health balance. Also promotes local artisans.
Union Street Flowers and Gifts: 101 S. Union St.; Specializes in flower arrangements, local items, unique gifts.
