'Shop Small' event supports local business

The Whitefish Chamber of Commerce wants residents to “Shop Small” and support local businesses this Saturday.

Whitefish is participating in Small Business Saturday on Nov. 26, an American Express event that celebrates local businesses and encourages shoppers to get out and help their friends and neighbors who own small businesses.

“This is geared to supporting local and small businesses,” Sarah Stewart, business manager for the chamber, said. “That’s your friends, your neighbors, the people that are in your community and adding value to your community by participating in schools, volunteering and supporting your local neighbors.”

This year, the chamber will have Shop Small passports available at participating small businesses. Shoppers who get their passports stamped by five or more retailers or restaurants will have a chance to win one of three gift cards for $50, $75 and $100 sponsored by Park Side Credit Union. Passports can be dropped off at any participating business on Saturday and winners will be contacted by Dec. 6.

Shoppers can also win a $50 gift card by posting photos to social media on Nov. 26 and using the hashtags #shopsmallflathead and #whitefish on Instagram, Facebook or Twitter.

Small Business Saturday was started by American Express in 2010. The Whitefish Chamber is in its third year as a neighborhood champion for the city.

Purple Pomegranate owner Ruth Lane said she sees shoppers who are grateful to have a day dedicated to local businesses.

“Most of my customers always say that they’re happy to shop small and they appreciate that there’s a day that’s celebrating the small businesses,” Lane said. “I think to keep the downtown viable, it’s really important to keep Whitefish going and I think one of the ways to do that is to support the small businesses.”

For more information and a list of participating businesses visit www.whitefishchamber.org and click the “Shop Small” link or visit facebook.com/flatheadsmallbusinesssaturday/.