Pleasanton’s 2024 Small Business Saturday event took place from 7 A.M. to 8 P.M. on Saturday, Nov. 30th. The annual event acts as a promotional event for local businesses nationwide.
Discounts vary on dining, clothing, books, and even paintings. For a day, businesses advertise themselves and invite both old and new patrons alike.
A Feel-Good Festival
“[We love] seeing people smile, giving them things that make them happy, and making some money,” said Towne Center Books owner Judy Wheeler.
Small Business Saturday is a window where stores can receive up to three times the normal amount of customers. However, the event is beyond money-making. It holds a special place in Pleasanton’s community through its genuine interactions.
“Selling the art that people love and getting a smile on their face…sometimes they’re not buying a gift, they’re buying something they’ve been looking at for months and they’re thrilled to have it,” said Kim Steelman, Studio Seven Arts manager and art curator.
Business owners located in Downtown Pleasanton often receive families, couples, and friends passing through their shops.
“Saturday brings the families out, and since we’re so close to downtown, it’s just [like] a family,” said Jayme Valdez, chef and a manager for Primrose Bakery.
Small Business Saturday allows for customers to take advantage of deals, making them more likely to make purchases. In addition, business owners meaningfully chat to their customers, hoping to improve their experience.
“We get our regular customers come in and we thank them and we always meet new people…[and] we try to do things that will make it fun and have some specials, activities so they get used to our whole store and want to come back,” said Wheeler.
A Hub for Quality
While many consumers shop frantically on days like Black Friday and Cyber Monday, Small Business Saturday is deemed more quality-oriented.
“You’re buying from small businesses that have unique things that are handmade, and you’re not going to find them in a big box store,” said Steelman.
Studio Seven Arts is the perfect example of quality over quantity. The store is filled with handcrafted paintings, ceramics, and works of art, some of which are made by Pleasanton artists.
“I think it’s more personal, and it kind of gets a better feel for your community, and I feel like…people are more attentive to your needs as opposed to larger companies,” said Valdez.
Small Business Saturday’s contributions to Downtown’s small businesses has created a tight-knit bond and a welcoming, locality-based community.
“Everybody feels good… It’s a happy day,” said Wheeler.
