Local shops count on Small Business Saturday



MILL CREEK, Wash. – A six-year shopping frenzy continues. Small Business Saturday started back in 2010 encouraging everyone to shop at a local retailer the Saturday after Thanksgiving and avoid big box stores.

Tails wagging and all smiles at Paddywack in Mill Creek Saturday. The eleven-year-old business counts on building relationships to build revenue.

“Many of the people I know right now are regulars who I know by name and their dogs,” said Paddywack co-owner Shane Somerville.

Shoppers like State Representative Suzan DelBene is looking for something extra special for her large golden retriever mix.

“We are still in search for the perfect toy for him because he destroys pretty much everything,” said State Rep. Suzan DelBene.

DelBene made sure to stop at a small business because she says they’re the backbone of the community.

“Locally owned and they’re employing people in our communities and they make our local downtowns thrive,” said DelBene.

“Before we came into the age of e-commerce and super stores it was the country general store. You get to know your customers. You get to become friends with them,” said Somerville.

But competition is stiff with big box stores offering deep discounts and super savings at the click of a mouse.  Somerville says you get so much more when you shop local.

“You’re getting personal service and help and you’re getting knowledge and you’re getting people who are really invested in what they do,” said Somerville.

Somerville says Paddywack thrives on customer loyalty it gets and gives back.

“Sometimes people lose a pet and we’re sending them sympathy cards and crying with them,” said Somerville.