Chico’s Small Business Saturday boosts community spirit, local entrepreneurs shine

CHICO, Calif. — According to the National Retail Federation, approximately 183.4 million shoppers are expected to hit the stores during Thanksgiving weekend and extend their shopping sprees into early next week, all in pursuit of the ideal gift for their loved ones.

But have you considered that the perfect gift might be waiting for you at a small, local business in your community? Small Business Saturday was established to promote this exciting opportunity, encouraging consumers to explore the unique and special offerings of local shops.

“If you spend $100 locally, 69 of those dollars will stay locally, but also you actually get to meet a real person. You get to talk to me, see my smile after you make a purchase, and then I get to see you later on after you’ve used the products and hear your amazing review. It’s a full circle experience and that’s what makes it really worth it,” said Samantha Zangrilli, Owner of Turkey Tail Farm.

Turkey Tail Farm sells a variety of products, from food to skincare, everything grown in Yankee Hill.

On Small Business Saturday, multiple shops in Downtown Chico opened their doors to holiday shoppers, such as ‘Bird in Hand’ and ‘Made in Chico.’ Local business owners without traditional storefronts set up booths on streets to participate in the event. Among them was a talented 14-year-old girl from Chico, who seized the opportunity to showcase her unique business to the community, proudly sharing her passion and creations with visitors.

“It’s a big opportunity for me to be here because I feel like it’ll help me grow a lot. My big goal is to one day open up my own floral shop and be my own boss and be able to employ some people, have my own truck to deliver,” said Grayson Jong, Owner and Founder of Bouquets by Grayson.

Jong launched Bouquets by Grayson after acquiring an interest in planting and arranging flowers, an activity she would often partake in with her grandmother. While participating in a young entrepreneurial group, Jong was able to take a business marketing class for free, ready to present her handmade floral arrangements to the community.

Small Business Saturday is a wonderful opportunity to support our local businesses, which often serve as the heart and soul of our community. By choosing to shop local, we not only help their livelihoods but also nurture a sense of togetherness.

“A lot of communities have been impacted by some natural disaster, so that’s also a great way to support them in their rebuilding, to purchase things from them. We rebuilt after the Camp Fire because we wanted to nurture this community, and so it means everything to us if you make a purchase from us, it encourages us to keep going,” Zangrilli told KRCR.

“A lot of people like to go to the big corporations, but we need to show love to local people. Growing all together as one is really important,” Jong concluded.