UC Businesses Prepare For Weekend Shoppers To Stay Local

Small businesses across the Upper Cumberland are anticipating a busier shopping weekend with COVID keeping customers local.

Sparta’s Fragrant Mushroom Owner Sherri McNeil said she expects her pottery and art sales to rival the big box stores.

“We are not near as busy as some of the box stores, but I really think this year we will be, because more people are trying to shop local,” McNeil said. “And are trying to support the smaller businesses. I have a feeling this Black Friday and Small Business Saturday is going to be fantastic.”

Livingston’s Puckett’s Furniture Owner Wesley Hunter Puckett is also predicting more local shoppers. He said his store is taking the necessary precautions to protect customers.

“In the event that we do have more than a comfortable amount of people in here, we put a sign on the door that says please wait until somebody leaves,” Puckett said. “And of course, we have all the alcohol wipes and hand sanitizer that you can ask for.”

Cookeville’s Allure Clothing Boutique will be focusing on alternative ways of shopping. Owner Amber Darley said shoppers not comfortable coming to their location can find the same deals online.

“We are still going to offer the same door buster specials and sales those kind of things in our live sales in the Facebook group,” Darley said. “That way if people are uncomfortable coming into the store, they just buy it on the live sale, and we ship it out.”

When it comes to masks, McNeil said that decision will remain with the individual.

“If the customer feels like wearing a mask, they are allowed to wear a mask,” McNeil said. “We got a big space, so usually, we do not have that many people in here at the same time. We are pretty well spaced out for that.”

Puckett’s Furniture are offering customers exclusive deals to give that extra incentive to stay local.

“We offer a 30 day money back price guarantee,” Puckett said. “Everything you buy between now in Christmas. Of course, if you find it online or at another store at a better price with the same like services and terms. We will be more than happy to refund the difference along with 10 percent of the difference.”

Allure Clothing Boutique is located in the The Shoppes At Eagle Pointe. Darley said the location will still be open for in-person shopping.

“It is pretty easy to stay at least six feet away from each other,” Darley said. “Our store has a lot of walking space.”

Allure Clothing and the Fragrant Mushroom will also leave mask wearing up to the individual.