Shoppers flock to downtown Mt. Pleasant for Small Business Saturday

MT. PLEASANT — Downtown Mt. Pleasant came alive with activity on Small Business Saturday as shoppers turned out to support local businesses and participate in a day full of giveaways, prizes, and special promotions. Organized by Main Street Mt. Pleasant, the event aimed to encourage community members to shop small and celebrate the vibrant local economy.

Small Business Saturday, founded in 2010 by American Express, was created to support small businesses in the wake of the Great Recession. Celebrated on the Saturday after Thanksgiving, the day serves as a counterpart to Black Friday and Cyber Monday, shifting focus to local retailers, restaurants, and service providers. According to the U.S. Small Business Administration, for every dollar spent at a small business, approximately 67 cents stays in the local community, making the initiative a vital economic driver.

Main Street Director Lisa Oetken underscored the importance of the event for Mt. Pleasant. “It’s a wonderful opportunity to support our small businesses while having some fun,” she said. Oetken also highlighted the community-wide effort to make the event successful, with downtown Mt. Pleasant businesses participating and offering special incentives to shoppers.

The Union Block building at 113 W. Monroe St. served as the central hub for the day’s festivities. Shoppers were encouraged to bring receipts to qualify for giveaways. Spending at local businesses earned participants tickets for a chance to win one of four grand prizes and qualified shoppers for hourly gift basket drawings.

The first 25 customers who spent $100 downtown received swag bags valued at over $300. “Swag bags … are absolutely full. They are worth $300-plus, and the first 25 people to spend $100 in downtown will get one of these bags,” Oetken said, encouraging early morning shoppers to line up before the Union Block doors opened.

Samantha Freeman won the coveted women’s gift basket, which included hair spray, socks, and jewelry among other treasures.

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Jeff Willham won the men’s gift basket which featured a variety of unique items donated by local businesses, including a razor shave from Crew 113, Duke Cannon soap, a hot sauce kit, and gift certificates from Jefferson Street Antique Mall. He also received a beautifully crafted wooden toolbox.

Meanwhile, Cindy Conrad won the family gift basket, which was packed with games, books, gift certificates, popcorn, and more. Conrad also took home one of the four grand prizes, courtesy of Your Dream Home Furniture.

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Oetken shared her enthusiasm for the event, which she called a highlight of the holiday shopping season. “This day is about more than just shopping; it’s about supporting the people who make our community vibrant and unique.”

As shoppers explored local stores, they celebrated more than just deals — they contributed to a thriving local economy and ensured that Mt. Pleasant’s small businesses can continue to be a cornerstone of the community for years to come.

Comments: AnnaMarie.Kruse@southeastiowaunion.com