Local Norfolk Businesses like Magnolias Prepare for a Season of Community Support
- Norfolk Area ED
- 1 hour ago
- 3 min read
As Small Business Saturday draws near, Norfolk Area local businesses and community leaders are preparing for the busy holiday season. Small Business Saturday plays a vital role in strengthening the local economy by encouraging consumers to shop at neighborhood stores and support independent entrepreneurs. Amy Renter, who owns Magnolias Home Decor & Design– a popular downtown boutique– says supporting small businesses matters now more than ever.
The Positive Ripple Effect of Shopping Locally
When people choose to spend their money locally, more of those dollars stay within the community, helping to create jobs, sustain local services and stimulate economic growth. Small businesses often source goods and services from nearby suppliers, further multiplying the positive impact. In addition to its economic impact, Small Business Saturday helps build community pride and connection, reminding visitors and residents that their shopping choices directly shape the character and vitality of the Norfolk area.
Renter believes that shopping locally is becoming more popular because people are recognizing that positive ripple effect.
“I believe consumers are well informed about the importance of supporting small businesses,” she said. “More and more often we have customers come in and make requests for specific items or products and the customer will say, ‘we just wanted to see if we could support a local business first!’”
That mindset, she notes, helps sustain the many family-owned shops that shape Norfolk’s character and downtown identity. Magnolias Home Decor & Design is an expansive home decorating store and design studio located in Downtown Norfolk. The established shop has been operating for 25 years due to a great show of customer support.
Norfolk Area prioritizes shopping small through seasonal markets and festivals during the holiday season. Magnolias will be rolling out several promotions to thank customers and encourage local spending.
“We are offering 25% off holiday décor, free online shipping with minimum purchase, and free ornaments with minimum purchase in store,” Renter said.
These incentives encourage customers to enjoy the festive spirit of Small Business Saturday while showing appreciation for their support.
New Opportunities for Small Businesses
While Small Business Saturday is a day that is set apart in importance to the local economy, Norfolk’s business leaders are also working toward a more unified and prosperous future for small businesses.
“We are forming a Business Improvement District and hiring a manager to support downtown efforts,” said Renter. “This manager will help expand the events currently run by the Downtown Norfolk Association, offering new opportunities for collaboration, marketing, and community engagement.”
In addition to marketing efforts and events, the manager will bring together business owners regularly in order to better understand ways to support the needs of service businesses, restaurant owners, retail businesses, and property owners in the downtown area.
Renter and her co-owners who also happen to be her family, husband Al and daughter Kate Zautke, own their Downtown Norfolk business and have invested heavily in updating the historic building to help support and encourage others to do the same. She hopes these efforts will inspire more excitement around a broader effort to breathe new life into the city’s historic core and believes the Business Improvement District will be a catalyst for growth.
Celebrating Small Businesses and Community Throughout the Holiday Season
Other events look to look for in the Norfolk Area this holiday season–
Tis the Season Holiday Market - November 29th, 9 a.m.-1 p.m., Norfolk Senior Citizens Center
Norfolk Parade of Trees - November 27- December 13, Norfolk Arts Center, trees decorated by local businesses and nonprofits
Lighted Christmas Parade - December 5, 7 p.m., Main Street, Pierce
Yuletide Christmas - December 6, 4-7 p.m., Newman Grove
Annual Pierce Chamber Holiday Vendor & Craft Show- December 6, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., 713 N Brown Street, Pierce
Christmas in Madison with Vendor Show- December 7, 10a.m.-3 p.m., 209 S Lincoln Street, Madison
Downtown Christmas Festival & Christmas Craft & Vendor Show - December 7, 4 - 7 p.m., Battle Creek
Hometown Holiday - December 8, 4:30-8 p.m., Plainview
Main Street Christmas Stroll - December 12, Tilden