FERGUS – Recent data shows 65 per cent of small retail businesses expect that they will lose sales to big businesses and online giants over the Black Friday shopping weekend.
In Fergus, small businesses are stressing the importance of shopping local.
The figure didn’t come as a shock to any of the three downtown Fergus shops the Grand at 101 spoke with.
Tammy Paetkau of Studio Boutique, a women’s clothing store, said the issue has been created by a rapidly changing economy.
She added those looking for savings don’t have to go far to find them.
Kim Jefferson of Joanie’s Crafts, Gifts and Stained-Glass Supplies, says now more than ever, it’s time to bring your shopping dollars home to support businesses that uplift the community.
Tony DeLuca, manager at Local Pieces Gallery downtown, stated these businesses rely on community aid to stay afloat.
Black Friday weekend spans through small business Saturday and cyber-Monday.
