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More Than 400 QC Stores, Shops Participating in Small Business Saturday

On Black Friday, there is one set of stores that aren’t busy. That is because their day is Small Business Saturday. On Friday, November 28th, 2014, WQAD v...

On Black Friday, there is one set of stores that aren't busy. That is because their day is Small Business Saturday.

On Friday, November 28th, 2014, WQAD visited four local businesses in four cities - Dot's Pots in Moline, Healthy Habits in Bettendorf, Trash Can Annie in Davenport, and Gendler's Wine & Spirits in Rock Island - to see how local business owners are getting ready for Small Business Saturday.

American Express started Small Business Saturday in 2010. It has grown bigger and bigger every year. In 2013, 70 million customers spent $5.5 billion in locally-owned shops across the country.

"We're what keep our towns alive and if people remember that while they're doing their Christmas shopping, it will be special for all of us," said Laura Heath, Owner of Trash Can Annie Vintage Clothing.

Trash Can Annie carries clothes from 1870 through the 1970s. It's been in business for 36 years and is located at 418 E. 2nd Street, Davenport.

"When it [Small Business Saturday] first started, we didn't have many people in on that Saturday because everybody is shopping big on Friday, but now it's just picking up and business is getting better and better," added Dot Beach, Co-Owner of Dot's Pots in Moline.

Dot's Pots specializes in handmade clay creations, including critters, mugs, platters, ornaments, home decor, and more. The store, located at 2822 16th Street in Moline, has been around for 17 years and will hold its Holiday Open House on December 5th and 6th.

"We weren't really sure if the Quad Cities would support us or not and we're really excited that they are and each year it's getting better," said Dot. "We have such a following and I love that because that means I get to do what I love to do."

"Small Business Saturday has been really important for us," said Dan Adams, Manager of Healthy Habits in Bettendorf. "There's a lot of money that gets spent at the holidays and a lot of it gets spent this week."

Healthy Habits, 3441 Devils Glen Road, has been in business for 20 years. They sell and service all makes and models of bikes, something they say you can't find at a big box store.

"They generally have bikes that are going to be one size fits all," he said. "Our bikes have trained mechanics who build our bikes so they're going to be built right in the first place."

Healthy Habits offers a year free of unlimited tune-ups with all their bikes.

Celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2016, Gendler's Wine & Spirits gives spirit to the small business season.

"Small business is critical," said Co-Owner, Dave Requet. "When you support your local business, it's money that's going right back into the businesses here locally."

He says he hopes Small Business Saturday encourages people to think local all year round, not just during the holiday season.

"It can't just be a one day deal. It has to be a mentality, a concept that people understand - that we're local people and we keep that money right here locally."

Gendler's is also partners with The Black Ram Restaurant and The Grotto Bar, all located at 1407 30th Street, Rock Island. It will offer discounts now through the College Hill District's Christmas Walk, which takes place December 5th and 6th.

Small Business Saturday is also growing on social media. In our area, the Quad Cities Chamber of Commerce is asking shoppers to post on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram by using #ShopSmallQC. For the nationwide campaign, use #SmallBizSat.

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