Following Black Friday, many shoppers supported local stores as part of Small Business Saturday.

The concept began a few years ago as a way to encourage residents to support local businesses in the community.

Mary Lacy, owner of Pappy’s Smokes and More in Lehighton, sells a variety of goods for smokers and nonsmokers alike. One section of the store is dedicated to smoke shop items such as cigars, cigarettes and pipe tobacco whereas the other section of the store carries items like Avon products and jewelry.

The store also carries essential products like paper towels, toilet paper, Kleenex, gloves, masks and hand sanitizer as well as an assortment of homemade crafts made by Lacy’s friend.

The product range of the store makes it appealing to a variety of shoppers and Lacy emphasized, “If I don’t have it and I can get it, I’ll get it for you.”

With such a variety of items, Lacy provided potential gift ideas for customers and also offered to create custom gift sets for good prices.

“I carry a variety of pipes whether they’re glass, corn cob or wooden. The cigar samplers are nice gift ideas for the men in the smoke shop. On the Avon side, we have some really nice jewelry pieces and candles for the holiday season and I’m willing to make up a gift set if anybody wants me to and give them a good price.”

Lacy said that circumstances surrounding COVID-19 have led to business operating a bit differently but she believes that the store is holding its own thanks to her loyal customers.

“My regulars keep us going and I’m appreciative of them.”

Another member of the small-business community is Megan Hahn, manager of My Store in Palmerton. Hahn said they specialize in footwear and clothing, especially brands like Carhartt Workwear, Columbia Sportswear and Under Armour.

“Whatever we don’t have we can order for people too,” she said.

Hahn also discussed some potential Christmas gift ideas.

“Boots are a very big seller and we keep names on file so that way when they can come in we can check and grab them for them right away. Sweatshirts are really good too.”

Hahn noted that business has been very good during this time of the season and stated, “We’re trying to keep everything in stock as much as we can and anything that we can do for them (customers) we will.”

Allison Goodhile, a local Palmerton resident, went to My Store to purchase a long-sleeve shirt.

She said shopping locally was important because “they are people from the community.”

Lynn Minnelli, owner of Kushy Boutique in Walnutport, also experienced support during Small Business Saturday. The boutique carries a variety of handmade items that are all USA-made ranging from items like woodwork, crafts and jewelry to food items like soups and honey.

Minnelli said the store carries goods from over 80 vendors with 46 of them being within 20 minutes of the store.

“All of our stuff is originally made so a lot of it is one-of-a-kind items. We have anywhere from rustic wood items for the home all the way into jewelry and handmade pouches. Also we have all USA food products that you could put a basket together to fit individual needs.”

Minnelli added the importance of the boutique being here for the local community.

“We’re here and we don’t have any plans to go anywhere and we will continue to provide handmade items and goods from artisans and crafters in the area.”

Overall, by shopping at local businesses, customers can expect to have a more personalized experience compared to online shopping.