Small Business Saturday: Customers come out in support as downtown ML businesses adapt

MOSES LAKE — Stores were open and business was brisk on Small Business Saturday, but shopping was different.

Of course, it was 2020 and in the midst of a pandemic, on the American shopping holiday held on the Saturday after Thanksgiving.

Store owners asked customers to follow the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s social distancing guidelines and provided hand sanitizer. But shoppers were out and about Friday and Saturday.

“We were really busy yesterday (Friday),” said Heidi Gales, owner of the Sandbox Bookstore, on East Third Avenue, early Saturday afternoon.

Sue’s Gift Boutique, on West Third Avenue, owner Sue Torrence said her customers want to support local business.

“Everyone has said, ‘We are supporting our downtown businesses. We need to support the downtown people,’” she said.

Torrence cited one of her customers, who said her family usually eats out on Friday, and they were trying to support local restaurants by ordering takeout. Gov. Jay Inslee ordered restaurants to close temporarily for in-person dining on Nov. 18 through Dec. 14.

“People are very thoughtful,” Torrence said, adding they were trying to help local businesses.

Business was good at Sue’s Friday and early Saturday afternoon.

“It was busy (Friday). All day,” Torrence said. “Steady, all day.”

Saturday afternoon business was lively at Settler’s Natural Market, on West Third Avenue, too.

“It’s been really busy,” said Callie Preston, as she bagged merchandise for customers.

Small Business Saturday traditionally is the busiest day of the year, she added.

ArtGarden Pottery, on West Third Avenue, had the door open on a sunny, warm (at least for November) Saturday, and a steady stream of customers coming and going.

But, Bruce Bailey, owner of Roost Lifestyle, said Tuesday and Wednesday were busy.

“The past couple days (were) a little slower,” he said Saturday afternoon.

Among other things, Bailey has expanded his inventory, making and adding gift baskets of various sizes, part of adapting to new conditions.

“It’s kind of a new world at the moment. Or at least a world on hold,” Bailey said.

Torrence said she has customers concerned about exposure to infectious disease, who order from her online store and have their purchases delivered to them outside.

“Curbside service,” she said.

At the Stella & Me clothing boutique on West Third Avenue, employee Doris Rosenow was helping a shopper coordinate a top, leggings and scarf that were intended as a gift. That kind of customer service is something a local shop can provide, she said.

Kylie Carey, owner of The O2 Studio, on West Third Avenue, said Friday and Saturday were not that busy in terms of foot traffic. But the two days were busy nonetheless — O2 Studio has added an online store for its yoga gear.

“I had people calling me or texting on the studio phone,” she said of placing orders for pickup.

Bailey had tables outside for outdoor dining and he plans to keep that open, he said, but will add some heaters and plastic barriers to help make winter dining more comfortable.

Cheryl Schweizer can be reached via email at cschweizer@columbiabasinherald.com.