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How a local small business is competing against big box retailers

Lancaster, NY (WBEN) - As big box retailers and the biggest name in online shopping begin their big week of deals, how do small businesses try to get your shopping dollar?

Crystal Newman of Bloomsbury Lane Toy Shoppe in Lancaster admits it is hard to compete with big box stores when they can offer such deep discounts. "What we offer in our store is an experience, and when you shop local, you feel good about it. We offer a really unique selection, and our service helping you procure the perfect gift for that child is priceless," says Newman.

Newman says she and other local business owners along Main Street are trying to find ways to bring customers down and help each other. "We are in a walkable community, and we all champion one another, whether it's the ice cream shop or the bounce house or the coffee shop, we always send the customers to our neighbors so that they have more reasons to come back to our neighborhood," notes Newman.

Newman says she also tries to offer in store experiences. "Whether it's auditioning for the next social media influencer for our Instagram, or hosting a Taylor Swift birthday party, or offering a birthday registry where you get 10% off the birthday items, we also are really proud of the selection that we have and the feedback that we get from our customers, so that we know what they're looking for," adds Newman.

Newman believes shopping online is transactional. "I think during the holidays, people really want to give from the heart, and they want to feel good about what they're giving. So shopping local not only helps the community and the employees that we hire, but you also know that you're giving something that's unique and has value," says Newman. "We have to be mindful of where we do spend our money, because we create the atmosphere that we want with our dollars. And so if people want to be able to continue to visit a local, small community with a magnificent charm, they have to remember that when it's time to buy those birthday and Christmas gifts."

By Tom Puckett, WBEN.com Newsroom