Small Business Saturday Sparks Support for Wantagh-Seaford Merchants

Although large corporations have taken a public hit during the economic recession, small businesses have also struggled to survive. In order to show appreciation and support of small businesses, American Express dubbed Nov. 27 Small Business Saturday.

Wantagh and Seaford are home to a plethora of small businesses including restaurants, boutiques, doctor's offices and specialty stores. Customers as well as owners of small businesses told Patch that small businesses are part of the fabric of America and provide opportunities for growth in the community.

Wantagh resident Kelly Glander explained that small businesses develop out of necessity, but those that come up with the solution are creative and creativity should be supported.  

"Entrepreneurship allows us to be innovative, inventive, and creative, so small companies have character," said Glander. "Small businesses such are often birthed out of a need. They develop and choose products based on the needs of their niche customers."

"[Small businesses] are what this country was built on," said Laurette Van Daatselaar of Wantagh. "Supporting small businesses keeps our villages flourishing. Most owners live in the same village their business is in. This means less for sale signs on houses. The mom and pop stores know you as a customer. They will give you individual attention and help you find what you're looking for."

Van Daatselaar cited a customer service experience at Wantagh's as an example to how important small businesses are to their customers.

"I've been buying accent pieces in the Wooden Heart in Wantagh as I'm redecorating the house," she said. "When I stopped by one day, the owner told me she just got some new pieces and thought one or two might work in my house based on my past purchases. She was right. The items were just what I was looking for and I don't see them coming and going in the larger retail stores. She saved me a lot of leg work."

Ryan Quinn, son of a small business owner, also said that the attention and service that small businesses show their customers is just one of many reasons to support them.

"Small businesses provide a loyalty to its customers," he said. "It's in that relationship that makes all the difference. You can speak face to face with the small business owner, but odds are you, won't ever meet the owner of Target."

Barry Santini, owner of Long Island Opticians in Seaford, said that small business owners just want a chance to show the community that they are good at what they do and that they are the experts in their field.

"People should give small businesses an opportunity by walking in and talking to the owners and staff," said Santini. "You should go, check things out and see if it will be a good fit. Ask local friends for experiences with local businesses. All small business owners really want is the opportunity."

Bob Meyrowitz, also from Long Island Opticians, is not only a small business owner, but he said that he likes to support small businesses in his area as well.

"I like to support small businesses because what goes around comes around," he said.  "It is very important that we shop locally. It is more convenient, it brings jobs to your neighborhood and it stimulates the local economy. I like the individual service and attention that I get."