RICHLAND COUNTY — Shops across Richland County buzzed with excitement Saturday as shoppers flocked to support local businesses a week early.
The Richland Area Chamber & Economic Development moved the local “Small Business Saturday” date to give shoppers a chance to support local stores ahead of the big Ohio State vs. Michigan game next week.
Local owners celebrate community support
“Shopping small keeps your community alive. When you shop local, you keep your town vibrant and support someone’s dream,” said Janelle Blake, owner of Fizz.48.
“I absolutely love owning a small business in Mansfield. It’s amazing to be part of a community of small businesses. It’s so fun to collaborate and support each other,” she said.
Blake said “Small Business Saturday” reminds local business owners why they do what they do. Seeing people come out and support small businesses is what means the most to her.
“They could have chosen a big-box store, but they chose our small business—we appreciate that so much,” Blake said.
Bethany Lehman of Operation Fandom/Blackbird Records said her store sees support from locals and visitors throughout the year, but “Small Business Saturday” gives everyone a special reason to focus on family-owned shops.
She said the day highlights how important it is to support unique local businesses. She also praised new downtown stores and renovations making Mansfield more beautiful and inviting to shoppers.
People from all over rally behind local shops
Operation Fandom welcomed many locals and even some out-of-staters stopping in to show their support.
Pennsylvania native, Jeffrey Butz, visiting his daughter, Jamison Butz, said they made several local stops during the day.
“Supporting small businesses keeps communities together,” he said.
Jamison noted the importance of supporting families coming together to do what they love.
Daniel Craft, a local resident, said supporting small businesses is important because the more money coming into those places, the more they can expand.
“It’s incredible to still be able to see places like this downtown,” Craft said.
Small businesses keep the community moving
Holly Troupe, owner of The Boot Life LLC, emphasized the importance of supporting small businesses.
“According to the Small Business Administration in 2024, small businesses in Ohio make up a significant portion of the state’s economy. They account for 99.6% of all businesses in the state and 43.8% of total employment,” she said.
Troupe said it’s an honor to have The Boot Life LLC as part of the Mansfield community, where many small business owners do the work keeping everyone moving forward and inspiring her to show up every day.
“It’s a time to seek and support your neighbors. It is a rare time where even in a changing consumer landscape, large brands can prioritize their relationship to small business,” she said. “For example, Ariat provides a tiered mail-in rebate to The Boot Life LLC, only available to qualified small businesses.”
Taylor Haught, owner of Versa Clothing Company in Bellville, said supporting small businesses allows people to know they are helping others provide for their families.
She noted she often tears up thinking about the support she receives from the community.
“I have multiple people who will tell me they feel guilty shopping somewhere else, and it feels so good knowing we can go from being strangers to having that kind of support,” Haught said.
She added the day isn’t just about her. Everybody being able to take one day and go out and support a bunch of small businesses is something she finds beautiful, allowing her to support other small businesses as well.
(Photos from multiple shops in Richland County for Small Business Saturday. Credit: Hannah Martin)
