West Bloomfield consumers encouraged to shop local on ‘Small Business Saturday’

WEST BLOOMFIELD — With all of the shopping options that have become available in recent years — in particular, online shopping — things have become more challenging for many local business owners.

However, for more than 10 years, there has been a specific effort to remind people that they don’t necessarily need to search online to find what they’re looking for.

In 2010, American Express originated what is known as Small Business Saturday, which takes place the Saturday after Thanksgiving and encourages consumers to shop at and support small businesses in their local communities.

This year’s date for Small Business Saturday is Nov. 26.

The concept is one that aligns closely with local chambers of commerce.

Support for local businesses can be crucial for their survival.

“The feedback I am receiving is that they are struggling in a myriad of ways — trying to find employees; there are still some supply chain issues, and with the economy, people are being a lot more cautious about how they are spending their dollars,” said Greater West Bloomfield Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Suzanne Levine. “So they might be turning more to Amazon, Walmart or some of the big box stores where they can perhaps get a better deal but not be able to have the kind of unique selection that they would at some of our establishments in West Bloomfield Township.”

The services offered by Art Leaders Gallery in West Bloomfield include in-home art consultation, fine-art selection and custom framing and installation.

Bonnie Mansour has owned Art Leaders Gallery since 1992.

She stated that the gallery is 10,000 square feet and has been voted “Michigan’s Best Fine Art Gallery” for its art selection, art advisory and custom framing services.

Aside from supply-chain issues with molding manufacturers, Mansour discussed the impact of inflation.

“We have been receiving emails from various artists, and then some of our framing suppliers, where they have raised their prices a bit,” she said. “I think the price increase has affected everybody. I don’t know any business where it has not affected them.”

Despite those issues, Mansour said, “We’ve been doing great.” She stated that Art Leaders Gallery employs four people.

After previously working for a family-owned chain of grocery stores in the metro Detroit area called Hiller’s Markets, Justin Hiller decided to launch Saladworks/Frutta Bowls in West Bloomfield last December.

“I decided to bring a healthy, fast-casual restaurant to West Bloomfield,” Hiller said.

Since opening the franchise, Hiller has dealt with supply chain issues and employee shortages.

“Prices are going up across the board, but we have not raised our prices since we’ve opened,” Hillier said.

Even with some of the challenges the franchise has faced, like Mansour, Hiller shared a positive report.

“We’re steadily growing,” he said.

Hiller stated that Saladworks/Frutta Bowls currently employs 10 people.

From Levine’s perspective, there is a potential solution for businesses who are seeking employees.

The Friendship Circle in West Bloomfield helps train special needs individuals for employment, and she is of the opinion that it could be a viable option for local business owners.

“This is a great, untapped resource for some of these businesses, like the supermarkets — they can train them to bag groceries,” Levine said. “There are things these individuals can do, and then they feel great about themselves and you’re helping not only your business, but an individual that wants to work and be productive.”

Levine also shared ways that the Greater West Bloomfield Chamber of Commerce can help local business owners.

“One of the ways that we try to support them is (to) offer free strategies,” she said. “The other thing is that we work closely with Civic Center TV and a show called ‘The Splash,’ and they are featuring a lot of our businesses, so this is a great opportunity for them to talk about how their business is unique and what they have to offer that might be different than another community. And I’m available to discuss with our local businesses ways to perhaps enhance their business.”

Business owners who would like to contact Levine can send an email to wbloomfieldchamber@gmail.com.

Levine discussed some of the ways local businesses can gain an edge.

“We know that they can’t compete with an Amazon, or perhaps even a TJ Maxx, but they could offer free coffee; they could have a senior day,” she said. “There are other things they could offer — perhaps delivering some of the merchandise to people’s homes. So there is different ways that they could offer services that beat some of the other large, box chains.”

Levine added that Oakland County is another “huge resource for businesses, and it’s free.”

Oakland County’s website is oak.gov.

Levine described small, local businesses as the “backbone of our economy.”

“We have to remember that, because especially in times of need, they have been there to service us — we need to make sure that they survive and thrive,” she said. “They pay taxes, they employ people and they offer different merchandise and services that we might not be able to find elsewhere. … I’m a big proponent of shopping at some of our stores, especially during the holiday season. I think it’s really important, and maybe you’ll spend a few more dollars, but you won’t spend it in gas driving around.”

Hiller also made his case for supporting local businesses.

“I think it’s essential to support your local businesses first,” he said. “We’re people who live and work in the community. We employ people within our community, and we’re here to offer service and do the best we can to try and help grow the local economy and give offerings that they want.”

To learn more about Saladworks/Frutta Bowls, visit www.saladworks.com.

Mansour also weighed in on the importance of supporting local businesses.

“It’s very important,” she said. “I personally try to do the same, as well. That’s what keeps the brick-and-mortar businesses in business. … The support of the community is what keeps small businesses open.”