Small businesses highlighted during holiday shopping weekend

Sandwiched between Black Friday and Cyber Monday, Small Business Saturday spotlights local businesses for holiday shopping adventures.

Last year, Americans spent more than $14-million dollars on Small Business Saturday.

“Small businesses are considered the backbone of your community,” said Matt McCormick, Columbia Chamber of Commerce President. “It’s where a lot of new jobs are created as those small businesses are growing.”

Downtown Columbia was filled shoppers Saturday despite the cold weather.

“The weather hasn’t really kept people at bay,” said Kali Pewitt, an employee at Tallulah’s. “People are going to shop no matter what rain or shine. It’s just one of those truths to the season.”

The home store was offering 25 percent off holiday decor as well as special pricing on kitchen knives.

Pewitt said the day was for small business to shine.

“It’s the time of the year to care, so care about what you’re buying and who it’s coming from,” she said. “It’s a nice way to build a community and meet the shop owners. It’s nice to see people here, because it’s not run of the mill stuff. It’s eclectic and unique.”

Other local stores were also featuring special sales for the day.

Calhoun’s was featuring 20 percent off any item over $10.

“It’s nice that people come to shop, but if you want to keep us here you have to buy too,” said Lisa Clenke, owner of Calhoun’s, which has been in business in Columbia for the past 25 years. “I think that you will find that you get better service here, at least that’s our goal.Whatever it takes to make our customers happy we try to provide it.”