City Council proclaims Nov. 27 and 28 as Plaid Friday and Small Business Saturday

posted on: 11/20/2020

At its Nov. 18 meeting, the Dover City Council proclaimed the Friday after Thanksgiving as "Plaid Friday" and the following day as "Small Business Saturday," which aims to give small, local businesses a boost during the holiday season.

The proclamation states the City of Dover "celebrates our local small businesses and the contributions they make to our local economy and community." The proclamation urged "residents of our community, and communities across the country, to support small businesses and merchants on Plaid Friday, Small Business Saturday, and throughout the year."

Mayor Robert Carrier said that because of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, small, local businesses "need all the help they can get. We don't want to lose any one of them."

The proclamation states that 62 percent of U.S. small businesses have reported needing consumer spending to return to pre-COVID levels by the end of 2020 to stay in business.

In addition to the proclamation, the Dover Parking Commission voted 5-2 at their Tuesday, Nov. 17 meeting to allow free parking on Small Business Saturday. There is already free parking in place for Thanksgiving and the day after.

In a statement, Greater Dover Chamber of Commerce President Margaret Joyce said that shopping local is critical.

"Our local retailers are an essential part of our community," Joyce said. "They are neighbors and friends. Supporting local businesses on Plaid Friday and Small Business Saturday is always a great thing to do, but more so during the pandemic."

Joyce said many local stores and businesses have taken the Seacoast Safety Pledge and put precautions into place to ensure their establishments are safe to visit.

"If you are not comfortable shopping in person, support our local businesses by purchasing gift cards this holiday season," Joyce said. "Most retailers, restaurants, and service providers offer gift cards, and they make great presents for friends, family, co-workers and teachers."

Joyce also noted that Dover Main Street's Dover Dollars can be purchased at the Greater Dover Chamber of Commerce and are redeemable at more than 50 Dover merchants. Click here for more details.

Many area businesses, like Red's Shoe Barn on Broadway, were forced to close temporarily in the spring because of the governor's emergency orders related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Red's Shoe Barn closed for seven weeks this spring, and store manager Tim Winters said the company has been trying to play catch-up ever since.

"It's so important for people to shop local instead of letting their fingers do the shopping online," Winters said, noting that knowledgeable staff and the ability to try on shoes and clothing ensures that customers get the right size and product they seek.

Roni Reino Watkins, owner of My Country Story on Central Avenue, said that she and many other local businesses have struggled because of the pandemic. "This year is so incredibly unpredictable. We don't know what to expect," she said, noting fears of being again forced to close the store. Watkins said that businesses like hers also support local artisans that make unique, one-of-a-kind gifts.

Doug Glennon, who co-owns Jewelry Creation with his wife Kelly, had urged the Parking Commission for a parking holiday for Small Business Saturday. "The fact we can advertise and tell people [parking is] free – that's going to help," he told the Commissioners. "We're trying to make it about these small businesses that are having a hard time."

Watkins also voiced the need for a parking holiday. "We are already struggling in the pandemic. To have free parking, even for a weekend, is huge," she said.