Small business Saturday brings shoppers to area stores

While Black Friday is traditionally one of the busiest shopping days of the year as Christmas shoppers head out to seek holiday deals, in recent years Small Business Saturday has been growing in popularity.

The annual shopping event focuses attention on what small businesses have to offer in goods and services and reminds shoppers that these businesses serve an important niche in our communities.

Many of those choosing to shop small in downtown Medford on Saturday were in search of unique artisanal gifts that are not available at large retailers. Fortunately for these shoppers, there were plenty of options to choose from with a number of stores in the area focusing on artisanal items from locally made ornaments to hand woven baskets and art pieces made from natural materials such as wood and metal.

According to Jackie Jentzsch, president of the Friends of the Downtown, small businesses offer a way to avoid the crowds of Big Box stores, something of special importance this year due to COVID-19 concerns, while still experiencing the service of in-person shopping.

“To me it was safer to walk into my shop than it was to go to a [big box store],” Jentzsch said. Jentzsch owns Tease Tanning Plus Gifts on Main located in downtown Medford. Jentzsch and others rented additional storefront space on Main Street this year to offer an expanded line of artisanal products.

Small businesses are seeking to fill the shopping needs of those who still rely on service and seek out quality products not available in either Big Box or on-line retailers.