Downtown shops open for Small Business Saturday

SANDUSKY — Black Friday is an important day for big box stores.But the next day, known as Small Business Saturday, is the time for small businesses to shine. Downtown Sandusky businesses will take part in the national shopping holiday tomorrow.Sandusky has supported the nationwide initiative for many years. "Local business are driving Sandusky's renaissance," Sandusky city manager Eric Wobser said. "When people shop locally they're helping to revive Sandusky."Wobser said almost 30 new businesses opened in the downtown during the past three years. Some of those business owners recently spoke with the Register about the shopping event and why their stores thrive. Shops and restaurants joining Small Business Saturday include: Mr. Smith's Coffee House: Open 8 a.m-3 p.m. "At a big box store, they don't know who you are. Here we know the names of most of our regulars," co-owner Sara Beard said. Mr. Smith's Coffee HouseGlass N More Store: Open 10 a.m.-11 p.m. "If we're closed (on Saturdays) people will start expecting it. We're hoping (Small Business Saturday) will support smaller businesses," manager Eric Norton said.Glass N More StoreSmall City Taphouse: Open 12 p.m.-1 a.m. "Small businesses, we do everything better. We do things with heart," manager Kha Bui said. Small City TaphouseCaptain John's Nautical Decor: Open 11 a.m.-1 p.m. "Today apparently a lot of people want to come to downtown Sandusky (to shop) instead of the rush area (in Perkins Township.) (Small Business Saturday) should drive a lot of people to our downtown," owner John Windisch said. Captain John's Nautical DecorHall of Framers: Open 8:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m. "Amazon is killing places (like ours.) We come up with (items) that are totally different than (other sporting goods stores)," owner Scott Terna said.Hall of FramersLunch Box: Open 6:30 a.m.-8 p.m.: "(Small Business Saturday should) get people back to the local business than the chain stores. We give more attention to people's likes and dislikes," owner Cynthia Bremeo said.The Lunch BoxBarra: Open 10 a.m.-11 p.m.: "It's the people that own these (small) business that are a part of the community. Supporting local business helps the community," owner Gabs Zeller said.Barra Restuarant Daly's Pub: Open 11 a.m.-2:30 a.m.: "Big box stores are nice but mom and pop stores are communities' bread and butter," manager Phillip Miller said.Bartender Curtis Robinson and Gary Wechter stand together for a photo at Daly's Pub in Sandusky on Friday, Nov. 24, 2017.Erik's Clothing/Culture: Open 10 a.m.-4 p.m.: "Shopping small and special, that's what we are. What we do here you can't get in a box store," owner Erik Anderson said.Erik's Clothing and CultureLeaking Boot: Open 11 a.m.-10 p.m.: "As a small business we want our community to come out and support us," manager Katie Hart said.The Leaking BootSoda Pops: Open 12 p.m.-6:30 p.m.: "It's good to have people shop local and support each other and it's good to have so many places downtown, owner Chad Kresser said.Soda Pop'sSandusky Wine Merchant: Open 12 p.m.-7 p.m.: "Downtown is a small business-minded cooperative. We get more people (shopping) downtown, we all benefit," owner Kevin Bertschi said.Sandusky Wine MerchantSandusky Segwave: Open 10 a.m.-9 p.m.: "Especially at a transition of our city, it's important to maintain certain hours (and) let people know you're consistent. For the city, you want (stores) open, keep business downtown," co-owner Jim Ervin said.Sandusky SegwaveFabulous Female Boutique: Open 10 a.m.-6 a.m.: "We work on developing a relationship with our customers," owner Kim Mazur said.Fabulous Female Boutique James A. Bertsch Jewelers and Gifts: Open 10 a.m.-5 p.m.: "We did very well (on Small Business Saturday) last year. It's an important day," owner Michelle Bertsch said.James A. Bertsch Jewelers and GiftsCrush Winebar: Open 4 p.m.- midnight. Kitchen closes at 10 p.m.Crush WinebarMona Pizza: Open 4 p.m.-10 p.m.Mona PizzaMusician's Alley: Open 10 a.m-4 p.m.: "Small businesses are the ones that sponsor (youth) baseball teams and local activities," co-owner George Gast said.Musicians' AlleyMarket Street Treasures: Open 12 p.m.-6 p.m.Market Street Treasures Bill's This and That: Open 8 a.m.- 9 p.m.: "You're a local, why go out of town (to shop?)" owner Bill Felton said.Bill's This and ThatBay Popcorn Company: Open 10 a.m.-8 p.m.: "We're doing well, I hope we get more customers in (for Small Business Saturday)," co-owner Rose Greene said.Bay Popcorn CompanySandusky Flea Market and Pawn Shop: Open 11 a.m.- 6 p.m.: "(As a small business,) you know your clientele, you know you're people. People sometimes will come in just to talk," owner Christian Moore said.Sandusky Flea Market and Pawn ShopNow & Then Shoppe: Open 11 a.m.—4 p.m.Reach reporter Brandon Addeo at brandonaddeo@sanduskyregister.com, follow him on Twitter @BrandonAddeo and follow the Register at Facebook.com/SanduskyRegisterBoom Town CoffeeZINC BrasserieDancer's BagHot Dog Tony'sEncoreHotel Kilbourne, OH Taco, Moseley's and Zero Tide Apparel Businesses on West Market Street in downtown SanduskyBusinesses on West Market Street in downtown Sandusky