Nelson businesses are getting ready for the holiday season by hosting a special customer appreciation day on November 30.
Called Super Saturday, the event is a way for local stores to offer great deals to loyal customers and promote the benefits of shopping locally.
“This is an important event because shopping locally helps to keep jobs in the community,” said Justin Pelant, president of the Nelson and District Chamber of Commerce.
“One of the biggest things Nelson has thrived on is small independent owners. It’s created a middle-class that has survived through the depression where a lot of other places that didn’t have small business owners struggled.”
He said it is those business owners that help keep Nelson vibrant and alive. Those are the businesses that help the non-profit and volunteer groups in the community.
That includes KidSport, the Kootenay Lake Hospital Foundation and other charities and programs.
“The only way small businesses can donate to these causes is by having a strong customer base,” he added.
Super Saturday is just one way local businesses can thank customers for their year-long support and offer some amazing deals along the way. While the event is set for Saturday, some of the participating businesses are offering special prices throughout the weekend.
In a time where many people choose to head across the line to shop in the US, local businesses are attempting to lessen the flow.
‘There’s enough that there’s an impact, certainly,” said Pelant about money leaving the community. But he’s hopeful that people see the need to keep dollars here.
“Growing up here, I want my kids and the kids in the community to have the same opportunities I did. You have a lot of kids in high school working for small businesses. They have the opportunity to hire and they know the families.
“Nelson has created such a vibrant downtown. People come here from all over the world because it’s such a beautiful place to be.”
He added that one of the reasons the city is so beautiful is that people take ownership of it. With that in mind, Pelant said he’s hoping customers will take advantage of the weekend of sales.
“I think there are going to be some great deals.”
Super Saturday is being presented by The Nelson Star, The Bridge and the Nelson and District Chamber of Commerce.