Local merchants cash in on Small Business Saturday

The holiday shopping frenzy continued with Small Business Saturday.

The event was launched by American Express in 2010 to highlight and celebrate small businesses in communities.

Shoppers looking for sweet deals headed to State Street in downtown Santa Barbara and popped in to a pop-up shop specializing in women’s clothing.

The store owners of Prim are trying to build up clientele, and if business keeps booming they will likely set up a permanent store front.

“It’s huge for us being a pop-up because the city does a lot to promote it which is awesome. On top of that motivating people to shop locally rather than corporate,” said manager, Hunter Beck.

The organization Downtown Santa Barbara promoted Small Business Saturday again this year, keeping in mind local merchants who have been struggling since the Thomas fire and mudslides which hurt profits during the busy shopping season last December and January.

“This is our community. This is where the money comes back into our city,” said Erik Krueger of Downtown Santa Barbara, an organization that promotes local businesses. “This is the biggest time of the year when they make their yearly annual revenue.”

Just down the street from Prim, Santa Barbara Wine Therapy is celebrating two and a half successful years in business by cultivating a culture of shared experiences and networking.

“We are one big family here and that translates to the rest of the bar and our guests,” said Events and Marketing Manager, Tarrah Potter.

Last year Small Business Saturday brought in billions of dollars for small business owners.