Crown Florals and Gifts owner Keith McClung helps handle cashier duties during Black Friday sales. McClung said he was looking forward to Small Business Saturday today. (Photo by Nancy Taylor)

PARKERSBURG — With two events kicking off the holiday shopping season, people made a point to stop at local spots Friday for holiday gifts or decorations.

The twinkle and sparkle at Crown Florals and Gifts was drawing Black Friday shoppers in a steady stream to start the weekend, building up to a Small Business Saturday that predicted more of the same.

“We love Small Business Saturday,” owner Keith McClung said Friday.

“We’re not on the beaten path,” he said of the two-story shop on Ohio Avenue. “They have to find us. Even though today is busy, on Small Business Saturday, it feels like they (shoppers) choose you, and that’s special.”

The shop does Christmas on a grand scale.

Belpre resident Daniel Hart peruses the merchandise at J&M Books and Play Friday. (Photo by Candice Black)

“I’ve recently found out that we are the biggest Christmas shop in West Virginia,” McClung said. “We turn 90% of the store into Christmas, just as we do with other seasons. We ‘flip’ the entire store for the various seasons.”

McClung also has some vintage Christmas pieces on display from the former Dils Department Store and animated figures from Grand Central Mall in 1973.

The lower floor of the building is the confectioners’ showcase, with fudge made in-house and Hershey’s hand-dipped ice cream flavors.

At Crown Florals, Small Business Saturday will include the first 120 customers getting a free gourmet dip mix and a free tea towel. Those who check out Crown Floral on Facebook on Saturday will be able to get 50% off one Christmas item.

Also Saturday, Kenna Lewis, owner of Zenergy Massage in Belpre, will be at Crown Floral from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., giving chair massages.

Tara See helps a customer at Crown Florals and Gifts on Black Friday. (Photo by Nancy Taylor)

Jason McCrady, owner of J&M Books and Play said business was steady Friday and it fluctuates from year-to-year whether the crowds come in for Black Friday or Small Business Saturday.

Lindsay and Daniel Hart of Belpre typically avoid Black Friday since they both had their fill of it when they worked at Walmart. But Friday was Lindsay’s birthday and the couple decided to do some shopping at J&M.

“It’s been years since I’ve been out on a Black Friday. My mom is watching our kiddos so we have a couple more (stores) planned,” Lindsay Hart said. “Hopefully I can get some Christmas (shopping) knocked out and be done with it. We found three books for our girls, which is perfect.”

To commemorate Small Business Saturday, shoppers who spend $40 at J&M Books and Play get their hands on a Christmas envelope which contains gift cards, escape room tickets or other prizes. When shoppers return to the store next month, they see what they won. Saturday is the last day to earn envelopes.

Nancy Taylor can be reached at ntaylor@newsandsentinel.com.

Daniel and Lyndsay Hart of Belpre shop at J&M Books and Play Friday to celebrate Lindsay’s birthday and get some Christmas shopping out of the way. (Photo by Candice Black)

Candice Black can be reached at cblack@newsandsentinel.com.

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