Smith Land & Improvement Corporation will host a Brick & Mortar Extravaganza this holiday season in celebration of Small Business Saturday and an inaugural event they’ve coined Brick & Mortar Monday. As an alternative to Cyber Monday—recognized the Monday after Thanksgiving—the Brick & Mortar Extravaganza welcomes shoppers to get out, visit our stores, and shop small.
Beginning on Saturday, November 30, and continuing through Monday, December 2, shoppers and holiday enthusiasts are invited to visit all of Smith Land & Improvement Corporation’s sister shopping centers to make purchases at local small businesses, treat themselves to specials and promotions, and enjoy food and festivities. At the West Shore Plaza, Ritter’s True Value Lemoyne is hosting a free gift-wrapping station on Small Business Saturday to benefit Penn State THON. Other specials include a free yoga class at Just Plain Yoga, free personalized names on Macris Chocolate bars, a Sip and Shop and music at Polished Salon, Spa & Wellness, and a trunk show and raffle at K Novinger Jewelry.
Santa and Mrs. Claus will be at the West Shore Plaza on Saturday, November 30 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
“In addition to 2019 being the 10th anniversary of Small Business Saturday, reports predict this will be the first trillion-dollar holiday season for retailers,” says Rick Jordan III, President & CEO of Smith Land & Improvement Corporation, and owner of all three plazas. “We want to strengthen the incredible small business foundation our shopping communities have established and highlighted their holiday specials and unique, personalized offerings. Our tenants provide experiences that shoppers can’t get online or at a big box store. We really want to celebrate the small business economic impact in our communities.”
Join us at:
- West Shore Plaza—1200 Market Street, Lemoyne, PA 17043
- Neighbors & Smith—1801 Market Street, Camp Hill, PA 17011
- Silver Creek Plaza on the Pike—6391 Carlisle Pike, Mechanicsburg, PA 17050
Contrary to predictions of the death of brick-and-mortar retail, the craving for connections is winning out over clicks.
- Physical stores account for roughly 90% of all retail sales in North America.
- 61% of consumers would rather shop with brands that have a physical location than with brands that are online only.
- Nearly 80% of shoppers go in-store when there is an item they need or want immediately.
“Saturday is a big day for Central PA. In addition to Small Business Saturday, fans will be cheering on the Nittany Lions at Beaver Stadium and hunters will be in the woods for opening day of Pennsylvania’s white tail deer season,” says Jordan. “Brick & Mortar Monday gives everyone the opportunity to still enjoy savings and fun on Monday that they might have missed otherwise.”
“We look forward to Small Business Saturday all year long,” says Lisa Bedway DeCavalcante, owner of Little Black Dress at Neighbors & Smith. “It’s our chance to show appreciation to our customers for shopping small year-round. The unique products and personal service experience you find at Little Black Dress is worth powering down your laptop and walking in our door!”
“Owning a small business is like employing your family, and our customers have become part of this family,” says Kristin Novinger, owner of K Novinger Jewelry at the West Shore Plaza. “We’re so grateful for their continued support and generosity, and we look forward to celebrating the success of small business together at our Brick & Mortar Extravaganza.”
SMALL BUSINESS FACTS
- U.S. retail sales are projected to rise 3.8% to $1.008 trillion—the first-ever trillion-dollar holiday season;
- Retailers are expected to hire between 530,000 and 580,000 seasonal employees;
- 96% of consumers who reported shopping on Small Business Saturday said the day makes them want to Shop Small all year long, not just during the holiday season.
