Small Business Saturday is November 28 and this year, more than ever, it is important that we support small businesses in our community.
Shopping in the Central West End provides jobs for local people and when you spend money at local businesses, you’re helping to boost the community by stimulating the local economy. It’s a perfect chance to support your city and help the CWE thrive, while also finding great gifts for your friends and family.
We recently caught up with Provisions St. Louis Co-Owner, Debra Hunter, to learn how your support can help make all the difference for their small business this holiday season.
How has your business been affected by COVID-19?
Debra Hunter: We are missing neighborhood foot traffic. We are a new business (opened just over a year before COVID), so building storefront awareness and culture during-and-post shutdown is our biggest challenge. COVID-19 has also affected the production and delivery of goods worldwide — whether they come from the UK or are handmade in the USA, there is a longer time frame of waiting which can be frustrating for all involved.
How can people support you and your small business this holiday season?
Debra Hunter: Come to the CWE neighborhood, come into our storefront, check out our website: PROVISIONSSTL. We always offer free gift wrap, we love working with customers on corporate/client gifts, and strive to make each one very unique. We also encourage everyone to discover and share us on social media. IG: provisions_stl or FB: PROVISIONS ST LOUIS.
Why do you think it’s so important for people to shop small in our community?
Debra Hunter: Most importantly, patronizing local businesses and shopping small, creates a synergy that builds, strengthens, and energizes all of the community.
Why is being a small business owner important to you?
Debra Hunter: We love making people happy and creating a shared, one-on-one experience with our customers. Everyday we open our doors and look forward to meeting someone new, seeing a familiar face, and helping them find something of quality and value that is unique and meaningful, to give to others or keep for themselves.