Local entrepreneurs prep for ‘shop small’

Small Business Saturday is tomorrow, toting the “shop small” theme that resonates especially well with small towns.

Wende Hook, owner of His Inspirations Christian Books & Gifts and president of the Downtown Merchants Association, said she appreciates the family focus and giving thanks right around the Thanksgiving holiday — before ramping up for the day designed with small business in mind.

His Inspirations will be offering 30 percent off from 6-10 a.m., 20 percent off from 10 a.m. to noon and 15 percent off from noon to 4 p.m. (excluding essential oils). Plus, all fall décor will be 50 percent off, and other items will have a 60 percent off sticker. The store will also have hot chocolate, coffee, donuts, muffins and more for shoppers to enjoy while they browse.

Hook noted 27 businesses are part of the DMA, which not too long ago elected its new board members. Businesses all over Fallon are participating in various marketing programs and social media campaigns to pump up excitement and add to the fun.

The Chamber of Commerce and Churchill Economic Development Authority as well as the Small Business Development Center have been teaming up with businesses to promote their wares in creative ways, from a scavenger hunt, pop-up shops and flash sales to a Facebook shopping selfie contest using the hashtag “shopsmall.”

The scavenger hunt starting point is Telegraph Coffee & Tap, which will open at 6 a.m. on Saturday and also be offering a free medium latte with any gift card purchase. They will also be selling one-pound bags of the Famous Fallon French Roast for $14 and offering free sample bags of coffee.

The Food Hub will be open an extra hour as well as having holiday gift baskets for sale that are filled with all Nevada products. In addition to their weekly produce specials, the Hub will have coffee specials and $.50 hot chocolate.

Buttsup Duck Designs will be offering incremental discounts for customers’ entire purchases of in stock items: 15 percent off from 8-9 a.m., 10 percent off from 9-10 a.m. and 5 percent from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Country Health is opening their doors with 15 percent off all of their own brand items from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. in honor of shopping small.

Joe the Jeweler is already providing 15 percent off made-to-order custom jewelry and 10 percent off all repair services.

“There are very few markets like Fallon where the community is so dedicated to trying to shop local,” said Joe Stehle, the Joe in Joe the Jeweler. “Part of it is convenience. But the majority of the people believe in the community and small towns … I have customers who would rather pay more for something here than drive to Reno to get it.”

Stehle said he’s always enjoyed the idea of owning an old school jewelry store, operating with a traditional workbench and tools.

“There are still people who would rather have unique and custom-made things, with quality and the service,” he said. He added that he’s found he’s just as busy the first few weeks of January as the first few weeks before Christmas due to more convenient ring sizing after the gifts have been given.

“It isn’t so much about money; it’s about value,” he said.

The Frey Ranch Estate Distillery will be hosting their free tours and tastings as usual from noon-4 p.m., but they’ll also be boasting 20 percent off all wine and spirits in addition to “buy one, get one free” Frey Ranch apparel item.

Jo’s Stillwater Tea Room is celebrating from noon to 9 p.m. with 10 percent off beverages and merchandise including holiday-inspired cocktails and hot chocolates as well as packaged gourmet pretzels and cookies among other stocking stuffer ideas. Items include glassware and specialized cups, and gift certificates are for sale.

“It’s exciting,” said owner Jo Petteruti. “You’re right into the holiday season, and I’m going to be putting up Christmas decorations.”

Petteruti is a master at creating delicious drinks from her various festive mules available to unique tea and liquor pairings to concoctions entitled Butta-Bing Old Fashion, Pumpkin Cream, Ginger Sparkle and Honey Nut.

She said they enjoy getting ready for the Christmas tree lighting ceremony that takes place near her storefront. Jo’s also does Monday Night Football from 5-9 p.m. including a free buffet with a cocktail purchase.

At the other end of town, Bassham Furniture will be continuing to offer through Monday a free box spring or save up to $600 on a Beautyrest Adjustable Foundation, in addition to La-Z-Boy and Simmons mattress deals as well as other in-store specials.