National event encourages residents to shop local

For 32 years, Roger Sheredos has owned the Unique Goldminejewelry store on the corner of 86th Street and Fourth Avenue. Hehas seen shops come and go, but one thing that hasn’t changed, hesays, is the value of the small businesses to the neighborhood andthe nation.

Anyone in business knows the small business is the biggest partof this country, Sheredos said.

Like many local business owners, Sheredos is looking forward toSmall Business Saturday on November 26 – a national eventencouraging customers to shop in their nearby communities insteadof going to national chain stores.

I don’t think people realize a lot of items you can get at alarge retailer you can get at a small business, said Carl Hum,president and CEO of the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce. Some youcan only get at a small business.

Although superstores may offer elaborate décor, it is all just abunch of hoopla according to Robert Howe, president of theMerchants of Third Avenue.

It’s glitzy, Howe said. It’s sort of like a happening. Butwhen it comes down to it, a TV is a TV and you could probably buyit at an appliance store on Fifth Avenue for a similar price.

He adds that shopping locally will help customers avoid theviolent crowds of Black Friday the day before, a solution he callsshopping without hand-to-hand combat.

State Senator Marty Golden, who owned the local catering hall,the Bay Ridge Manor, for 15 years, is asking residents toparticipate in the November 26 event.

It is so important that we shop in our neighborhood stores, andsupport the people and the economy of our hometown, Goldensaid.

Mike Kasper, owner of T&R Endurance Sports on the corner of80th Street and Third Avenue, is hoping local residents will answerthe senator’s call. He says that people have a connection withtheir neighborhood merchants whether they realize it or not.

The local business owner is doing more than just selling you aproduct, Kasper said. They’re part of the community as well.