Local Ottumwa stores prepare for Small Business Saturday
OTTUMWA, Iowa (KYOU) - Christmas music plays throughout Ottumwa’s downtown, as local businesses prepare for Small Business Saturday. It’s a day that focuses specifically on the local businesses that line America’s Main Streets.
In Ottumwa, several Main Street businesses are participating in Saturday’s snowball drop, where Main Street Ottumwa will drop hundreds of “snowballs”. Each ball will be marked with a specific number and specific store. Shoppers can trade those snowballs at the stores for prizes like free items or discounts.
The owner of the Sewing House tells KYOU he’s got 25 prizes set aside, from $10 gift cards to a spool of thread. He notes the snowballs may give shoppers opportunities to go into stores they may not normally frequent.
In a new location on 2nd Street, the owner of Bliss Junkie says Small Business Saturday spotlights the small businesses, instead of big box stores. “It helps remind everybody that there are local businesses, there’s lots of great products available, especially when they’re thinking about Christmas gifts and fun things to find for their family members.” The owner missed out on last year’s Small Business Saturday due to moving locations due to COVID-19, and she’s happy to be back. She wants shoppers to “try and find those unique pieces that someone made handmade and put a lot of heart and love into, just something that would bring an extra smile to someone’s face.”
The snowball drop kicks off Saturday at 10 AM, on the corner of Market and Second Street. The full list of business participating is found on Main Street Ottumwa’s Facebook page.
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