Shop Owensboro: City shows support for local businesses through chamber event
Many residents spent their Saturday morning waiting in line hoping to be one of 500 people to receive a free shopping bag to kick off the Greater Owensboro Camber of Commerce’s “Shop Owensboro” event, sponsored by Independence Bank, where the goodies were handed out.
While Shop Owensboro launched in 2015, the day coincides with Small Business Saturday, an event that began in 2010 by American Express as a way to promote local businesses throughout the country.
“It’s wonderful to see so many people coming out year after year,” said Candance Castlen Brake, chamber president. “We can depend upon our community to always show up for things like this — it’s what we do.”
Brake said Independence Bank is one of the driving forces of the local economy.
“At the chamber, we can always depend on Independence Bank to keep moving forward in leadership and making the community better,” she said.
Nick Oller, Daviess County president for Independence Bank, said it’s become a tradition for many residents.
“We have some folks who love to shop, and some who don’t, but it’s just a day to get out and get the holiday kicked off right,” he said.
Oller said some residents began lining up before 8 a.m. despite the doors not opening until 9 a.m.
“We already have people at the door and we watch the line to see what kind of crowd we’re going to have,” he said. “It just continues to get bigger and bigger.”
The chamber’s mission aligns with that of Independence Bank, Oller said.
“We love the support and we love to shop local,” he said.
Chanda Prater was the first in line to receive a free shopping bag, having arrived at 7:40 a.m.
“The sooner we get the bags, the sooner we can start shopping,” she said. “We’re wanting to visit Integrity, Welborn and Moonbow.”
Prater said she believes it’s important to keep local business owners thriving.
Shoe Stop, 2768 Frederica Street, was one of the many local businesses preparing for the crowd on Saturday.
Julie McDonald, general manager, said Shop Owensboro is very important to the business.
“Black Friday is what it is, but small businesses are part of the community and we want to support the community, and we appreciate the community’s support for us,” she said.
McDonald said Shop Owensboro is a busy day for the store.
“We are part of the community and this helps us keep money within the community,” she said.
As a small business owner herself, Ashely Crafton sees the importance of Shop Owensboro.
Crafton owns Dwell Designs, which specializes in interior design.
“I like to support local businesses and a group of my friends and I decided to make this a girls day,” she said.
Robin Knight visited Julep Home & Gift, 2738 Frederica Street, as one of her first stops for Shop Owensboro.
“I’ve always wanted to participate in Shop Owensboro and since my sister said something to me about it, we decided to make a day of it,” she said.
Knight said Saturday was her first time shopping at Julep.
“I don’t really have anything in mind to purchase, I just wanted to see what they have,” she said.
By Karah Wilson Messenger-Inquirer