Small businesses hope to score on Thanksgiving weekend

CEDARBURG (WITI) -- Many people associate Black Friday with huge discounts at big box stores, but small shops are also hoping to get a piece of the action.

Many of the small shops in downtown Cedarburg were closed on Thanksgiving. They hope that between Black Friday and small business Saturday, they'll see many of the people who began their shopping Thursday night.

Perhaps the biggest distinction between a corporate store and the Cedarburg Toy Company, is the relationship owners have with customers.

"Small business is a huge part of Black Friday. We may not be the big box stores with people lining up to do shopping at 4 a.m., but what we do have is a large selection of very unique things with a much quieter, relaxed approach to the shopping," said Cedarburg Toy Company Co-Owner, Natasha Loos.

This is Loos's fourth Black Friday. She says it's possible that big box stores opening the night of Thanksgiving gives smaller businesses a boost.

"It might be that they're more ready to just have a more enjoyable experience then on Friday. They got that kind of craziness out of their system on Thursday evening and now they're ready to sit back, relax and have a more relaxed experience," said Loos.

Friday, representatives from the U.S. Small Business Administration tour small shops in the Walker's Point neighborhood, including Purple Door Ice Cream. The SBA says the huge discounts offered at big box stores shouldn't freeze out locally owned businesses.

"I know the whole 'shop local, buy local,' that's been hugely popular so I think price isn't the only thing people are shopping for," said Mary Trimmier, U.S. Small Business Administration.

Just like their much bigger counterparts, Loos says much of her sales this season will come over the next couple days.

"It certainly is significant. Obviously, it's one of the busiest shopping weekends of the year so that does make it easier for the rest of us retailers to survive the rest of the winter," said Loos.

The toy company is extending its hours this weekend. Normally it will close at 8 p.m. on Fridays, and 6 p.m. on Saturdays -- this weekend it will be open until 9 p.m. each night.