It’s the unofficial kickoff to the holiday shopping season this weekend, and North Olympic Peninsula business advocates are encouraging the public to shop locally.
Large box stores and retail chains, many of which will open early today, will offer door-buster sales for Black Friday.
Many small businesses in Clallam and Jefferson counties will roll out the holiday specials a day later for Small Business Saturday.
“We like to celebrate the Small Business Saturday just as much as the Black Friday event,” said Marc Abshire, Port Angeles Regional Chamber of Commerce executive director.
“Support your small businesses here in town.”
The Christmas-themed Port Angeles Winter Ice Village and skating rink is open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays and from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sundays.
“You can come downtown and drop the kids off to have fun at the Ice Village while you’re shopping for Small Business Saturday,” Abshire said.
“Take your kids skating and keep your dollars local, keep them right here in Clallam County.”
Meanwhile, Port Townsend’s Main Street Program is hosting the annual Merchant Open House and Small Business Saturday in uptown and downtown Port Townsend.
“It’s really a chance for people to look around and see all the things we have to offer in Port Townsend and get a jump on the holidays,” said Mari Mullen, Main Street executive director.
Festively-adorned shops throughout Port Townsend will remain open until 7 p.m., providing in-store holiday treats.
The Wild Rose Chorale will sing Christmas carols on Small Business Saturday.
Small Business Saturday
Small Business Saturday was begun by American Express in 2010 to encourage consumers to support their local merchants rather than national chains.
Mullen said local shopping is “key to the health and prosperity of our community.”
“You’re really providing jobs in your community by shopping locally,” Mullen said.
“You’re supporting entrepreneurs and contributing to the destination appeal.
“It’s greener, actually, keeping business in town,” she added. “You’re taking packaging out of the equation and not using gas.”
For a list of holiday events in Port Townsend, including the Dec. 7 community tree-lighting, go to on www.ptmainstreet.org.
The Sequim-Dungeness Valley Chamber of Commerce helps coordinate multiple events to encourage people to shop downtown, including Hometown Holidays on Small Business Saturday.
Today is called Black Friday because merchants nationwide hope the post-Thanksgiving rush will push them into the black, or the profitable side of the ledger.
In Sequim, special Black Friday openings include:
• Coastal Farm & Ranch, 990 E. Washington St., Building A, open 5 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• Big 5 Sporting Goods, 171 Alley Road, open 5 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.
• Petco, 1205 W. Washington St., open 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• Office Depot, 1235 W. Washington St., open 8 a.m.
• Goodwill, 680 W. Washington St., open 8 a.m.
• Dungeness Kids Co., 163 W. Washington St., open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, and noon to 4 p.m. Sunday (with Sundays open noon to 4 p.m. through Christmas).
• Costco, 955 W. Washington St., open 9 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Swain’s General Store at 602 E. First St. in Port Angeles will open one hour early today at 7 a.m.
“We always have good little line,” said Swain’s Manager Don Droz.
Given the recent spell of cool weather, Droz said he expected clothing to be a big seller this year.
Swain’s has a special coupon for today only offering $15 discounts on purchases $75 or more. Swain’s also is selling gift cards today at 20 percent off.
Forks Outfitters, 950 S. Forks Ave., will open at 8 a.m. today.
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Reporter Rob Ollikainen can be reached at 360-452-2345, ext. 56450, or at rollikainen@peninsuladailynews.com.
