Small business Saturday booms amid supply chain crisis

(KAAL) – Area businesses are saying they feel lucky for their loyal customers this holiday season, some experiencing the best small business Saturday they’ve had in years.

Customers came out early Saturday to show their support.

"Tears came to my eyes just because at 9 o’clock they were here," said Joan Blakley-McCoy, owner of Tangerine Gifts.

In an age where Target and other mega-corporations sell groceries, clothes toys and appliances, "why shop small?" small business owners say.

"You don’t want that to be your only choice," Steve Nordhus, owner of ABC Toy Zone, said.

Rochester’s Tangerine Gifts and ABC Toy Zone both saw great sales Saturday. However, with shipping ports backed up and containers sitting full on the docks, Christmas may come late this year.

"We just keep calling and calling every day. When is it coming? When is it coming?" Blakley-McCoy said.

McCoy’s Christmas inventory might not get here until the week of.

"There’s no point of bringing it in and putting it on sale," she said.

These stores aren’t necessarily running out of inventory. They are, however, struggling to replace popular items. After today, business owners feel there is still some hope.

"I really think people are thinking about us this year," Nordhus said.

Area retailers are offering some tips to navigate the holiday shopping stress:

Plan ahead. If a child has a popular toy like Legos or Barbies on their wish list this year, parents should make those purchases now. Encourage children to think outside the box by suggesting a trip to the zoo for Christmas instead of new Pokémon cards.