November 26, 2014
Keeping Black Friday local Recipes
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Brighten Holiday Entertaining
Around Town
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Veterans Honored
Photo by Sara Hardin Zack Reckamp, the head the lawn and garden department of Handyman Hardware, stocks shelves on Thursday, Nov. 20 in anticipation of the holiday shopping season.
Feature Section
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Holiday Shopping Guide
North County small businesses kick off holiday shopping season By Sara Hardin It’s the time of year for friends, family, and dinner plates overflowing with delicious family recipes. After everyone fills their bellies and gives their thanks, many will move on to getting the biggest bang for their buck on Black Friday. Carolyn Marty, President and CEO of the Greater North County Chamber of Commerce, emphasized the importance of keeping local businesses in mind when shopping on Black Friday. “Supporting local businesses holds advantages for everyone by providing stronger businesses, stronger schools, and a stronger community,” explained Marty. The chamber’s project Shop Chamber First encourages residents to spend money locally by increasing awareness about the various businesses that are available to shoppers in the North County community. Several North County small business owners long ago began their preparations for the busy shopping weekend. Dave Otto, owner of Handyman Hardware Inc., talked about the company’s history with Black Friday and the kind of deals they offer by partnering with True Value.
“Ten years ago we began working with True Value and their Black Friday deals,” said Otto. “They have about 40 Black Friday specials that we take advantage of.” When asked about Shop Chamber First, Otto said that he is an advocate for what the project supports. He explained that as a small business owner he recognizes the importance of shopping locally and tries to encourage similar behavior by serving the community through his company. “We have been participants in Shop Chamber First for many years,” he said. “We try to be a part of the community not only with service hours, but also with helping out community organizations. We really believe in giving back to the community that we’re in.” Overall, Otto said he is extremely grateful for his customers for choosing to shop locally. “We’re just glad to have the customers shopping with us regardless of what day it is.” According to the latest numbers released by Forbes, about a quarter of all consumers plan to have their shopping done before Black Friday, and almost half of shoppers started their holiday buying before November. On the other
hand, 55-percent of Americans plan not to shop at all on either Black Friday or Cyber Monday. Mike Nagle, owner of Nagle’s in Florissant, said that although some special deals will be offered on Black Friday, the business’s biggest event for the holiday season is an open house complete with prizes and special guest appearances. See BLACK FRIDAY page 6
School
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Soccer Standout Adds Football
“Nightcrawler” photo courtesy of Bold Films
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