Small Business Saturday at the Re-Inspiration Store in Atlanta's Poncey-Highland neighborhood.
Small Business Saturday by American Express
Brooke Schultz opened the Re-Inspiration Store in 2009.
Even the plumber has artwork for sale at the Re-Inspiration Store.
ATLANTA -- The Re-Inspiration Store in Atlanta's Poncey-Highland neighborhood is the definition of a small business.
"Everything in the store is recycled or recreated," said owner Brooke Schultz. "We also focus on local artists."
Even the plumber has artwork for sale here.
"Yeah, look, his name is Jeremy," Schultz said.
Brooke Schultz opened the store two years ago. She calls herself an eco-preneur.
"People are concerned about how they spend their money, especially now, so you find that shoppers are more savvy," Schultz said. "They're looking for something that's a little different."
Judy Hauser and her husband made a special stop here as part of Small Business Saturday, sponsored by American Express.
"I registered my card, and my husband registered his card," Hauser said.
Together, they'll get a $50 Am-Ex statement credit for thinking outside the big box stores.
"Many of the small businesses are closing in the Atlanta area, and we felt it's absolutely imperative to support a small business like this," Hauser said. "It's a wonderful store."
There are personal touches everywhere: gift-wrapping at the register, homemade cookies by the door and easy access to the owner.
"I find that customers want to shop with people they like and care about, and they want to see people succeed," Schultz said.
The Small Business Saturday movement was started by American Express last year. It was designed to boost holiday shopping at locally-owned, independent small business that might not benefit from Black Friday or Cyber Monday sales.
Schultz signed up for free Facebook advertising and marketing material from the company.
Registration for the $25 statement credit for card-holders was limited. By Saturday morning, it was too late to sign up for the incentive.
The Marietta Wine Market and the Matre Gallery in Atlanta were among the small businesses that promoted Small Business Saturday through e-mail blasts to customers.
Groupon Atlanta joined the effort by sending out e-mails with gift deals from local business on Saturday.