Shoppers support small businesses on Small Business Saturday

HAMMONTON—People came out to support local businesses in downtown and uptown Hammonton during Small Business Saturday on Nov. 25.

Stores throughout town had various specials and deals. Some were exclusive for the day and some stores said they will have other deals later this holiday season.

For any purchase at Exit 28 Boutique, customers received a Frasier sachet. For $150 purchases or more, customers received a coin for 10 percent off purchase at Pine Barren Pallet Works Makers Handmade. For customers who spent $300 or more, they received a Frasier holiday set with a triple-milled soap, hand cream and aromatic candle.

Inspire Me Boutique had a 10 percent off coupon and get a free loofa with any $15 or more apothecary purchase. There was also free engraving for any of the charcuterie boards and free gift wrapping.

Arlynn Murnane of Inspire Me Boutique said she enjoys meeting a lot of different people in town.

Tara Pyfrin and her son Andrew shopped many different stores during Small Business Saturday including Inspire Me Boutique.

“We come out every Saturday my son and I for Small Business Saturday. It’s very important to us in the community to give back,” Pyfrin said. “We try to get one thing in each little shop as we go down the street. That’s our goal each year.”

At Bernie’s Antiques & Artifacts the store had 10 to 50 percent off throughout the store.

“Hopefully people come out to support the small businesses to help us thrive more because we are small and we depend on local and people to come shop. It’s not like we’re big box stores,” Bernie Pezzuto of Bernie’s Antiques & Artifacts said.

Ohana Juice Bar had a chocolate covered strawberry smoothie and acai bowls, which are also available during the holiday season.

“Everyone is in the giving and pleasant mood and it just makes it nice for the season that we’re in,” Darlene Blackwell of Ohana Juice Bar said.

Perhaps took off 20 percent off the highest ticketed item purchased.

“We get to see all the locals come out and support us, which is really important,” Ana Yanoschak of Perhaps said.

Toy Market continued some of their Black Friday sales. The store also had a spend $100, get $20 off a purchase promotion. There was also a basket raffle with no purchase necessary.

“I think Small Business Saturday for me is one of the best days because we really feel the love from the community,” Kelly Donio of Toy Market said.

Donio said it’s nice to see people come back each year.

“We really get to know the families over the years and it just makes us feel special because we know that they’re getting that really unique toy or game that is hopefully a little more creative and something that they’re going to keep for years,” Donio said.

Paige Mortellite of Blank Paige Boutique said this is the store’s first Small Business Saturday.

Blank Paige Boutique had 20 percent off select outerwear, 20 percent off best sellers rack and spend $300, get a free candle.

The Shoppes on Bellevue said the store had 25-50 percent throughout the store.

“We got a lot of Matchbox cars. This is like Matchbox central,” Maryclarie D’Andrea of The Shoppes on Bellevue said.

Mark Otaegui of Retro Renegades said they have a lot of stocking stuffers at the store. Celina Otaegui of Retro Renegades said the small stores in town have their own personal feel.

“I think [shoppers] they’re looking for specific boutique or antique or collectible or vintage items or specialty gifts for their loved ones,” Celina Otaegui of Retro Renegades said.

Marissa Ranello of Antique Marketplace said she is happy to see all the customers come in.

“We like to see all the happy faces come in and support the community,” Ranello said.

Some of those happy faces included Melissa and Rob Ivone of Collingswood, N.J. who came to Antique Marketplace during Small Business Saturday to find cycling-related items and an old wooden box to store tarot cards.

“I saw someone posted that there was a sale at one of the places upstairs here so just wanted to come out and see. We’ve never been here before,” Melissa Ivone said.

Lisa Zeuner of Elemental Vintique said she enjoys sharing her love of vintage clothing with the community and her focus on sustainability as well as connecting with local community members.

“Hopefully they’re looking for something unique and something that will last a very long time,” Zeuner said.

Elemental Vintique had 20 percent off coats and jackets. The store also had gift certificates available and with a $100 purchase of a gift certificate, customers received a free Pine Barrens essential oil.

Mannino’s Cannoli Express had raffle giveaways for cookie trays, cannoli trays and pastries.

“You get new customers in that haven’t shopped before and they get to discover the downtown,” Gabriella Mannino-Tomasello of Mannino’s Cannoli Express said.

Donna Kramer and Jan Odell were spotted shopping downtown during Small Business Saturday.

“My daughter-in-law owns Blank Paige, and we love Casciano’s coffee and we’re going into the [Tales of the] Olive now. We love doing small town,” Kramer said.

Odell said they succeeded in getting some presents off their list for the holidays.

Casciano Coffee Bar & Sweetery was packed full of customers with a line to the back of the door. During Small Business Saturday, they also had a Christmas Market where local artists sold their art.

Linda Cashan of Casciano Coffee Bar & Sweetery said there was a gift card special, buy four, get the fifth gift card free. There was also a complimentary tea for customers.

“Everyone is very supportive of Small Business Saturday. We’ve had a successful Small Business Saturday for years,” Cashan said.

Madison Laskin and Jeremiah Mount grabbed coffee with Bruce the French bulldog. They recently moved to Hammonton about a month ago.

Mount said they might shop at the Toy Market to shop for nieces and nephews.

Kelly Brown of Tales of the Olive said people were into the buy three, get one free olive oils and vinegars deal.

“It’s the best day of the season. We’re always very busy,” Brown said.

Marla Haines of The Hair Lounge said the store had $20 off a $100 gift card, 20 percent off retail items and a raffle.

Store manager of David Charles Ltd. ToniAnne Perry said customers were coming into to buy gold as well as engagement rings. David Charles Ltd. had 25 percent off watches and free ring cleanings.

Bill Doberstein of The Health Tree said he likes how people come out to show support.

“The local businesses help fund their local fundraisers. You’re not going to get that from a big corporation,” Doberstein said.

The Health Tree had 15 percent off Christmas items, which included Walker’s shortbread cookies.

Showcase Sports had 20 percent off the entire store. Infinity Salon had 20 percent off all products. Rejuvenation Day Spa had buy six gift cards, get one free, and 20 percent off retail items.

The Golden Feather had free gift wrapping and 25 precent off throughout the store.

“You can’t come in here and be unhappy. You come in and it’s a Christmas wonderland,” Carly Ruggeri of The Golden Feather said.

Shoppers are encouraged by local businesses to continue to come out and show their support during the holiday season.