La Plata Business Association (LPBA) announces that it will host the 2nd annual Shop La Plata celebration on Small Business Saturday® – Nov. 28, 2015 in historic downtown La Plata, Maryland. “This year’s event was so successful that we want everyone to save the date for an even bigger celebration next year,” says Keith Grasso, president of LPBA and owner of Island Music Company.
According to Audra Atkinson, owner of House Boutique, Shop La Plata celebration on Small Business Saturday was her highest sales day ever since opening five and a half years ago. She said, “I am so thankful to everyone for their continued support.”
Deborah Taylor, owner of Charles Street Bakery, posted on her business Facebook page, “Myself and the staff of Charles Street Bakery would like to thank all of the loyal customers who gave us the most successful Thanksgiving in the 12 years of being open! We also had a very busy Saturday thanks to the Promotion of Shop La Plata on Small Business Saturday! The support of LPBA along with the town of La Plata council members was amazing. I am so happy to see everyone working together to make La Plata a successful place to do business.”
According to Julie Keyton and Theresa Shoptaw, owners of Centerpiece Boutique & Design, “People were excited and happy to have a walking, old town feel right here in Charles County.” They said, “We loved the spirit in the air. Although our boutique was jam packed all day, not one person seemed to be disturbed by the lines or wait. It was a pleasant and festive day and we look forward to doing it again real soon! Thank you to all who came out to support Small Business Saturday.”
Doni Buckler, owner of The Loft Salon, posted on her business Facebook page that the day was spectacular. The salon gave away one hundred and twenty-five cups of hot chocolate, one hundred and twenty personalized ornaments for children and two hundred candy canes.
According to Holly Dunbar, owner of New Moon Bodywork and Botanicals, “Small Business Saturday was a great success for New Moon!” She said, “Our wonderful, loyal clients came in droves, and it was great to introduce a lot of new people to our business; some of whom mentioned they have wanted to stop by for years. For the general business community, it was a great show of unity and support for each other’s success.”
Josh Joson, owner of Joson Fine Jewelry and Home Boutique, said “I couldn’t have imagined the number of people who came out to support the local businesses in our town.” He further said, “It was truly a blessing for loyal customers, along with new customers to come out and discover this “gem” of a town. Thanks to everyone who made it such a brilliant success!”
According to Debbie and Mike Almassy, owners of Bernie’s Frame Shop, “Small Business Saturday was a most remarkable event.” They said, “We were hoping for a decent turn out that day, but what happened far exceeded our expectations. It was wonderful to see the familiar faces of old friends that have always supported us and just as wonderful to see all of the new faces that discovered us for the first time. Thank you to everyone that supported Shop La Plata. We had a great day and even remembered how fun it is to be crazy busy. Here’s hoping for more crazy days to come.”
“We were happy to have participated in an event which fostered so much community support for local businesses,” said Maricar Sharper, general manager of World Gym La Plata. She further stated, “It was also a great opportunity to meet other local business owners and managers and formulate ways in which we can help each other better service the community. We’re excited to continue working with the LPBA as we gear up for our busy season.”
According to Jeremy Gray, owner of Southern Maryland Martial Arts, Small Business Saturday was a great success for his facility. He said, “It was refreshing to see the comradery of the town of La Plata during this event.” About the Shop La Plata Passport event that started on Small Business Saturday and runs through Dec. 27, he says, “It gives a unique and organized avenue for customers in the community to check out our Fitness Center, Martial Arts Programs, Group exercise classes, Kid Fit Classes, and all that we have to offer everyone in the entire family.”
John Flatley, board member of LPBA and owner of Chick-fil-A La Plata indicated he was encouraged to see so many local elected officials shopping Small Business Saturday in La Plata. He said, “If you think you missed it, I have good news for you! All of our shops are still open and the town of La Plata would love to share our small town hospitality with you this holiday season and beyond. Come see what all the buzz is about.”
Look for a full page ad in the Maryland Independent “holiday shopping guide” on Wed., Dec. 10. The guide will be available through Mon. Dec. 22 at Southern Maryland Newspapers Online web site www.somdnews.com
Stay updated and informed by following the La Plata Business Association Facebook page. For inquiries, please contact Christine Parker, co-chair of the Shop La Plata celebration and owner of Parker Financial, LLC at 301-751-7553.
