ShopSmallYo is a movement throughout the Mahoning Valley that promotes shopping and eating locally on Small Business Saturday, and throughout the holiday season. This year there are over 40 local businesses participating in the event run by Youngstown Flea.

“The impact that Shop Small Saturday can have can reverberate throughout an entire year”

We sat down with Derrick McDowell, founder of the Youngstown Flea, to talk about the importance of Small Business Saturday. “ShopSmallYo is our opportunity to elevate our entrepreneurs in this community,” he said. “In order to create a vibrant, thriving community we need to understand that our dollars must stay here much longer in order for them to have an impact.”

McDowell adds, “the impact that Shop Small Saturday can have, in one single day, can reverberate throughout an entire year. So one day can make the difference in whether their shop survives through the next year.”

“You know Small Business Saturday compared to a Black Friday. We are searching out for these deals, and when we look at Small Business Saturday it has a focus to say though it may not be the pricing, there is something unique about the offering that I’m going to get, and the product that I’m going to get from these people. This handmade, this homegrown feel to it,” he adds. “There’s nothing built like Shop Small Saturday, specifically that is situated to help my community.”

“So nothing against Black Friday. It can drive our national economy greatly. But when I talk about what I must do locally for my own community, in my own city, I think nothing else compares with that,” concludes McDowell.

Experience #ShopSmallYo with our Small Business Saturday preview.

For a complete list of businesses participating in #ShopSmallYo, visit youngstownflea.com/shopsmallyo.

This episode of Shop Local Mahoning Valley is sponsored by:

To see episodes of Shop Local Mahoning Valley that feature a #ShopSmallYo business, check out any of the following links: Aebischer’s Jewelry, Extending Grace, Love Thy Curves, Nova Coffee Co, Reclaimed Rose, The Soap Gallery, YM Camera.