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Downtown Elizabethton will be in full holiday mode on Saturday as the community celebrates Small Business Saturday.
The day was founded by American Express in 2010 to encourage shoppers to support small businesses and communities across the country. Celebrated each year on the Saturday after Thanksgiving, the event has become a tradition for the merchants in Elizabethton, as well.
Sherrie Estep Horne, owner of Cottage Boutique, says she loves Small Business Saturday. “It’s a way to say ‘thank you’ to our community. Our whole downtown has seen such support from our customers, new and old, during this season of uncertainty and Small Business Saturday is just a way to show our appreciation to them by offering special sales and give-aways.
“We would not have made it if we hadn’t had loyal customers supporting us this summer,” she added.
Her store is planning a virtual give-away and offering discounts on select merchandise.
Joy McCray, executive director of the Elizabethton/Carter County Chamber of Commerce, says she is looking forward to welcoming shoppers into the Chamber’s new space downtown at 615 E. Elk Avenue. The Chamber will host Isaiah 117 House who will provide free gift wrapping for donations. The organization will also have their merchandise for sale including shirts, sweatshirts, and other items that McCray says will make “perfect gifts.”
“Corey Payne will be there representing our Carter County Isaiah 117 House,” McCray added. “All money raised will stay in Carter County so you can feel good about helping that great non-profit.”
Courtney Bean, director of Main Street Elizabethton, says this year, it is more important than ever to shop small and and support local businesses.
She invites the community to come downtown on Saturday to find the joy in shopping small.
“It has been amazing to see how our community shows up when we invite them to show up,” she said. “We’re asking our community to choose small this year especially when it means so much.”
“When we shop small we are supporting our entire community,” Bean added. “When you shop locally, it keeps our tax dollars in our local community to benefit our schools, roads, and so much more.”
Shopping small also provides for a more unique and personal experience, she says, creating a connection between business owners and shoppers.
“Our downtown has unique items that you won’t find anywhere else and our merchants really love helping shoppers find that special gift,” Bean said.
She also encourages shoppers to pick up their “This Is Home” Bingo cards from participating merchants, then complete the card and return it by December 5 to win special prizes. For more information about the cards, please go to bankoftennessee.com/cartercountychristmas.
Over two dozen merchants will be participating in this year’s Small Business Saturday in Elizabethton.
They include:
– All Star Sports & Country Crafts
– Antiques on Elk
– Big Dan’s BBQ
– Betsy Treasures – Discounts, door prizes, and games
– Blue Mountanya – Sales and door prizes
– Cannon’s Fine Home Furnishings
– Cottage Boutique
– Duck Crossing Antique Mall – Special sales
– Eagle Center Co-op
– Elizabethton Chamber – Hosting Isaiah 117 House  for “It’s a Wrap”
– Fired Up Ceramics – Paint in-studio or purchase a to-go kit & pre-painted piece
– Five One Eight – Open 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.
– Fletcher’s Homemade
– GLOW Herbals – Open until 2 p.m. with 25% off bulk teas & herbs
– Jiggy Ray’s Downtown Pizzeria
– Lingerfelt Boutique – BOGO and door prizes from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
– Merle Norman
– Powers Coffee
– Riverside Taphouse – New merchandise & holiday gift specials
– Simple Blessings General Store – Sales and door prizes
– Simply Elegant Bakery & Catering
– Southern Restaurant
– Sweetsie Treatz – No Weigh and specials
– The Coffee Company
– The Peddler’s Cart – Sales, door prizes, and refreshments
 
 The following Tennessee Pledge guidelines will be in place throughout the shopping event to promote safety:
– Face coverings are required for merchants
– Face coverings are recommended for attendees
– Social distancing is encouraged
– Sanitation stations will be located in stores
 The event is hosted by Main Street Elizabethton and the Elizabethton/Carter County Chamber of Commerce.