While Black Friday is often seen as an important shopping day for big stores, it is just as important for small businesses. It’s a chance to connect with loyal customers and attract new ones during one of the busiest shopping weekends of the year.
Butler Avenue, Ambler’s rural main street, has always been a hub of activity, especially during the holidays.
“I want people to come in, feel welcome and feel loved,” said Phyllis Greco Bucci, owner of Ambler’s Holistic Apothecary for the past 15 years.
Greco Bucci said Black Friday is not just about selling, but about building relationships with the customers she calls “family.”
Ambler shoppers, like Hannah Willans, appreciate that personal touch.
“Coming here to Ambler, I know a lot of people who own the businesses,” Willans said. “They put a lot of work into their stores and they care about their business. They remember your name when you go in.”
For business owners like Gene McGonagle, owner of Ambler Flower Shop, the support of loyal customers makes Black Friday so special.
‘We know them. We know them by name,” McGonagle said. “It’s a really big day because people are out and about and making a conscious decision to support high street businesses like mine.”
That sense of community extends to other businesses, like Primitive Boutique where Lisa Lamason works, and where shoppers can find handmade goods with Philly pride.
“We take things from scratch, like jerseys, shirts and hats, and turn them into sports,” Lamason said. “Go Eagles!”
“Bring your wallets and support all the local businesses here,” Willans said. “There are a lot of great ones.”
