Several small businesses are still struggling after Helene, and aim to welcome shoppers during the holiday season.
BOONE, N.C. โ This Black Friday, small businesses in western North Carolina are pushing for extra support after still recovering from Helene.ย
“Shop Local” will have a different ring to it for business owners in Boone. They hope shoppers take advantage of their deals.
On the outside it may just look like a small business, but inside itโs Booneโs lifeline. Kendra Sink, the general manager for Mast General Store in Boone, hopes for success on Black Friday and Small Business Saturday.ย
“Honestly, it couldnโt have come at a worse time,โ she said, referring to the storm.
But even after the storm, there’s hope.ย
โIt feels like for the first time, we’re back,” she said.
Economists estimate that small businesses hurt by Helene could recover up to 40% of what was lost. Mast General is thinking outside the box to help lure shoppers and the foot traffic in.ย
“Weโre definitely doing promotions something we havenโt done before,” Sink said. “Weโre doing everything we can this year.”
Other small businesses like Anna Bananaโs are also rethinking the shopping experience and store atmosphere. Anna Roseman, the owner of the consignment shop, said getting creative is critical.
โThis Black Friday is probably the most important one weโve done so far,” she said. ย “Weโre going to go all out and weโre doubling the ‘Dance Discount’. Weโre doing 20% off for dancing and just spreading the love that we do here.โ ย
To retailers itโs more than a shopping day — it’s an economic lifeline.ย
“Hopefully people have such a good experience in Boone that theyโll be coming back,” said Roseman. “Weโve got all the businesses on King Street that are working so hard to provide this experience here and for y’all to feel the Hallmark Channel winter when you come into town.โ
The hopes continued for Small Business Saturday as well. Jessica Snead, the owner of the Dancing Moon bookstore, grew up in Boone and reflected on the current season.
“It’s been a slower season, but we’re really, really, really thankful to see all the tourists here,” she said. “We really appreciate business because, as a family-run business, we need that.”
Contact Myles Harris at mharris5@wcnc.com and follow him on Facebook, X andย Instagram.
