Clarence, NY: In an effort to promote local, independent business during the holiday season, Clarence Main Street businesses are gearing up for the holidays with “Small Business Saturday” on Saturday, November 29^th. Over 20 participating businesses will participate in a passport program and special discounts.

“Small Business Saturday” is being promoted by an emerging group of Main Street business owners called Discover Main Street Clarence. The group seeks to promote Main Street Clarence, from Transit Road through Clarence Hollow, as a place to shop, dine and discover.

On “Small Business Saturday” consumers can pick up their “passport” from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Goodrich Coffee at 9040 Main Street. If shoppers get their passport stamped at six of the participating Main Street businesses, they will become eligible for a Main Street Clarence gift basket filled with gift certificates totaling over $500. In addition, participating businesses will be offering over a special one-day only “Small Business Saturday” discount on goods and services. Goodrich Coffee will be providing free coffee from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on “Small Business Saturday” for shoppers picking up their passports.

Participating Main Street business are: Alethea’s Chocolates, Asa Ransom House, Babycakes Cupcakery, Betsy Ross Costumes, Buffalo Road Imports, Clarence Deli, Clarence Eye Care, Clarence Hollow Antique Mall, Cozy Café & Catering, Dave Fahrenholtz State Farm Insurance, Dragon Fly Studio & Salon, Envisions, The Family Chocolate Shop, Gallagher Printing, Hyatt’s All Things Creative, McDuffies Bakery, Monkey See Monkey Do, Paula Deen Store, Paula’s Donuts, Pearle Vision, The Main Ingredient, and Clarence Hollow Wellness Center.

In the upcoming months, the Discover Main Street Clarence will continue to form as consortium looking to promote Main Street has a place to shop, visit, live and work. Through advertising, events, and social media, the group seeks to highlight the businesses in the corridor which attract spending and investment. There are many national studies that show a larger portion of money spent at local and independent business stays in the community, compared to national companies.