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Locals urged to shop small today

Will Grandbois and Trina Ortega
Post Independent
Carbondale Chamber employee Cailen Meier-Hollenback delivers Small Business Saturday paraphernalia to participating business True Nature Healing Arts on Monday afternoon.
Trina Ortega | Special to the Post Independent

On Monday afternoon, Lindsey Cynoski got to spend a little time on the other side of the counter at her business, Lulubelle, in downtown Carbondale. She and her husband, Ryan, were outside the front door stringing up a lighted white sign that says “WISH.”

“It’s going to look really pretty at night,” she said, as she uncoiled and clipped wire for Ryan, who was up on a ladder affixing the sign.

Cynoski is also heralding in the holiday season by participating in Small Business Saturday, an American Express campaign to help businesses increase customer traffic and promote local shopping on the Saturday following Black Friday.



“Between all the businesses in town, I feel like there’s a good variety,” Cynoski said. “I think it’s important for people to shop local. They should make it their first stop, really, before they go online.”

Lulubelle is just one of dozens of local businesses participating in the event.



Throughout Garfield County, save your receipt and take a picture for Twitter tagged with the business, your local chamber, and #ShopSmall for a chance to win a gift card.

In Glenwood Springs, keep an eye out for blue Small Business Saturday signs. Just on one block downtown, there’s 15 percent off the entire store at Elizabeth Dean and 10 percent off at Trove, 20 percent off boxed cards at Book Train, and 25 percent off fudge at Grand Avenue Sweets.

“It’s just important for us to support the local business that support us — not just on Saturday but year round,” said Angie Anderson, vice president of operations for Glenwood Springs Chamber Resort Association. “People may not even know some of the great things we have in our own town.”

Matt MacQueen, owner of Sioux Villa Curio — “the white elephant gift capital of the world” ­— echoed the sentiment.

“Most of my shopping is from small businesses around here,” he said. “It supports your neighbors and the local community directly.”

Jon Zalinski of Treadz, where everything will be 10 percent off Saturday, agreed.

“A lot of people don’t see the full circle of where their money goes. It’s not only being neighborly, it builds tax dollars that go to help the fire department, police department … all of that stuff has to come from sales tax,” he said. “We also care about local needs and try to help out any way we can. We really appreciate our customers. We’re here because of them.”

In Carbondale, the chamber is promoting the campaign and provided retail members with preprinted balloons, doormats, canvas shopping bags, and even little blue handkerchiefs that say “Shop Small” for shopowners’ doggies.

For Colby Smith, owner of Colby June Jewelry, spending dollars at the local level is not just about supporting a town financially. It also connects residents to local creativity and entrepreneurship.

“I am so proud to be part of a community that supports and promotes the arts in all forms to the extent that Carbondale does,” said Smith, who makes her living crafting precious metal jewelry inspired by nature. “I love the idea of buying less, and buying items that are handmade with intention that can bring meaning into our homes and lives.”

For Small Business Saturday, Colby June Jewelry will host a trunk show from 1-5 p.m. at True Nature Healing Arts, 100 N. Third St. The show will feature her new Wing Collection along with her favorite holiday pieces.

Resident Claudia Lauer loves the personal touch of small businesses, such as her favorites, Dancing Colours and the Carbondale Community Food Co-op. She moved to Carbondale 10 years ago after living in big cities and loves the town because it’s a “peaceful, lovely place.” She says in order to keep it that way, residents must be supportive of shops, restaurants, medical providers, veterinarians, and all other local entities.

“I live in a community where I think it’s important to support each other and that means local businesses, too,” Lauer said. “It may cost a few pennies more, but it’s important to support community businesses to make sure they stay here. When you walk in, everyone knows you; they ask about your family. It’s warm and personal. I love that.”

For more information on the benefits of supporting small business, visit http://www.shopgarfieldcounty.com.


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