VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — Black Friday is over, but the holiday shopping season is only beginning here in Hampton Roads.
In Virginia Beach, mom-and-pop shops are preparing for the 8th Annual Small Business Saturday Celebration in the ViBe Creative District.
The celebration features live music and 75 businesses within 1.5 miles of the district. The Gyspys Soul Boutique is one of the businesses participating this year. She’s been in business for five years.
“Small business Saturday is our best day of the year. This community rallies around. It’s wonderful,” said the owner of Gypsy Soul Boutique, Carla Jernigan.
According to Quickbooks, small businesses can look forward to a 42% increase in customer spending this year's holiday season. That same survey reports small businesses’ annual revenue was generated over the holiday last year.
While business owners are excited to welcome in the crowds, they’re also looking forward to supporting other small businesses in the area.
Meanwhile, this weekend is business owner Tessa Hall Duquette's first year participating in small business Saturday in Virginia Beach. She owns The Garage VB, a creative event space and a private art studio. Hall Duquette plans to rent her space to 16 female business owners for the day.
“Years ago, I used to do vendor events as an artist. So I knew with my space I wanted to give the opportunity to other women to have a location to sell their things,” said Hall Duquette.
The District's 8th Annual Small Business Saturday Celebration will run from 10 am to 4 pm.