WEST READING, Pa. – Small Business Saturday is getting a big boost in West Reading this year, thanks to a new prize wheel loaded with more than 160 giveaways.
The wheel, created by the West Reading Community Revitalization Foundation, will be set up on North 6th Avenue. Shoppers can pay $5 to spin, and every spin wins a prize.
“We had a spin wheel created for Small Business Saturday to promote the Avenue, the Foundation, and the camaraderie,” said Brian Adams, owner of The Art Room in West Reading.
Prizes range from $5 to $50 gift cards, with a handful of $100 gift cards mixed in. There are also full-size candles, ornaments, coffee, boutique products and items donated from shops all along Penn Avenue.
“Everybody’s a winner,” Adams said. “The gifts are $5 to $50 gift cards. There are some $100 gift cards and products from all over the Avenue.”
Each number on the wheel matches a set of bags filled with surprise items.
“So when you spin a number, you pick from one of the bags and you get a special prize,” said Cara Zurek, owner of Tinsel & Twig.
Business owners say this Small Business Saturday comes at a crucial time.
“It’s a little tougher right now, which is why we’re very excited about tomorrow’s kickoff,” said Allison Shannon, owner of Allison Clothing Co. “We could really use a local boost for sure. It’s not like it used to be before COVID.”
The West Reading Community Revitalization Foundation recently reactivated its Promotions and Marketing Committee, bringing together nine business owners to help strengthen local events and support merchants.
“Since it’s been reenacted, the events have been bigger, the camaraderie has been stronger, and participation is back in a way we haven’t seen in years,” Adams said.
Small Business Saturday begins at 10 a.m., with the prize wheel, local vendors, and specials throughout the Avenue.