‘little’ holiday cheer

Flood of customers brings joy to city’s small businesses

THE TINY BLUE PASSPORTS handed out on the Upper East Side were meant to keep the locals from traveling.

The paperwork promoted Small Business Saturday, where businesses around the city urged customers to swap big-box stores and shopping malls for the familiar faces of a neighborhood shop.

“We’ve seen a good amount of people coming in with the passports,” said Dane Cohen, one of the owners of specialty department store Lester’s on E. 80th St.

“They’re excited, they’re looking to shop,” she continued. “They’re looking for some great deals, and to support their local businesses.”

The feeling was the same in Brooklyn, where the Myrtle Avenue Partnership offered shoppers a free ticket to a $250 raffle with any purchase at participating stores.

Elissa Olin, the owner of Green in BKLYN, an eco-friendly home goods and gift shop on the corner of Myrtle Ave. and Clinton St., was happy to see the spotlight shine on smaller outlets.

“I think at this time it’s really important, especially because retail stores in general — and specifically small retail stores — are in jeopardy,” Olin said.

“I think that’s well-known that there’s malls and small businesses closing, so I’m very, very grateful as a small business owner.”

Olin’s store stayed busy throughout the day, much to her delight.

“A lot of people committed to specifically supporting small businesses and saved their shopping for today,” she said. “I think that they feel good about what they’re doing.”

Cohen was joined on the Upper East Side by a number of family-owned businesses in the neighborhood. Lester’s opened in Coney Island back in 1948, with the Manhattan outpost debuting 25 years ago.

“I think it’s important to support local businesses,” said Upper East Sider Jill Livesay, clutching her passport and her 3-yearold daughter. “There’s a toy store on 85th and Third, so I like to buy birthday gifts there.”

Jessica Walker, president of the Manhattan Chamber of Commerce, said her group wanted to spread the word about small businesses to all shoppers heading out between now and Christmas.

“Small Business Saturday is about supporting the local shops and stores in each neighborhood,” said Walker.

“It reminds us to focus on community, because when we support nearby stores we are supporting jobs for our neighbors and contributing to the stability of our neighborhoods.

“We hope all New Yorkers will visit the shops and stores in their respective areas throughout this holiday season."