:quality(70)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/shawmedia/PPPESSZGZ2RRJX6G52UAPEQE6M.jpg)
ELMHURST – Elmhurst businesses are gearing up for Small Business Saturday, held this year on Nov. 25. The event, which American Express created in 2010, highlights the benefits of shopping locally.
"You're supporting families and people who work in the community," said Laura Luscombe-Pearson, owner of Luscombe Music since her parents retired in 2011.
The family-owned music store, repair shop and music school has been in Elmhurst since 1975.
"We know our customers, and we communicate with them on a very personal level," Luscombe-Pearson said.
The first 10 customers to Luscombe Music, 122 W. Valette St., on Nov. 25 will receive a balloon with a gift certificate to use that day. There also will be free tote bags available while supplies last, as well as other sales, she said.
Luscombe-Pearson said those sales are the staff's way of showing appreciation for their customers' loyalty "and hopefully making some new [customers]."
John Quigley, president and CEO of the Elmhurst Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said by shopping locally, Elmhurst residents are ultimately saving themselves some property tax money.
"In each of the last couple years, the city has waived a $500,000 tax on residential and business properties – not a lot of money per property – but they were able to waive that because retail sales tax has been consistently going up every year," Quigley said.
Local businesses also help the community through donations and sponsorships, he said.
"When residents patronize local businesses, that puts [businesses] in a better position to give back to the community," Quigley said. "And, for the most part, local businesses are hiring people who live in the community. And so, when they get their paycheck, that paycheck stays back in the community."
For example, Hazyl Boutique owner Nancy Resing, an Elmhurst resident of 25 years, said nearly all of her employees are from Elmhurst.
"I wouldn't have a brick-and-mortar [store] if it weren't for the people who shop local," she said. "I'm here because of them."
The store is offering a 15-percent discount on all items on Small Business Saturday. Resing said her store at 106 W. Second St. features bracelets and candles made by Illinois artists, and she tries to give them a place to sell their goods.
---
Holly Trolley
Need help getting between Elmhurst's business districts this holiday shopping season? While the city's free Holly Trolley won't be running on Small Business Saturday, it will connect downtown Elmhurst with the Spring Road and York and Vallette business districts from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Dec. 9 and 16. Riders will receive a guide to special offers in town and have a chance to win prizes. For information, visit ExploreElmhurst.com/trolley.