It’s time to celebrate local small businesses.

The American Independent Business Alliance has been celebrating Independents Week, and members of Main Street Elyria — a nonprofit organization for the revitalization and historical preservation of downtown — are hoping local citizens will take some time out to celebrate by visiting any local business.

The event wraps up Tuesday.

“We need to make sure that we remember to shop local independent businesses first,” program director Tamela Grubb said.

Independents Week is a perfect time for those in the community to learn about the importance independent businesses have on the local economy. Not only do the taxes from those businesses stay in the area, the owners also know the area and employ local citizens.

“They know your community. They’re living in it as well,” Grubb said. “You want someone who knows more about the business that they’re in, but also the community they are serving.”

Grubb said independent businesses in Elyria employ more than 60 people.

“We sometimes overlook the strength and impact our small businesses have on the local economy,” Grubb said.

Bonnie Breen — owner of New To You Resale Shop at 625 Broad St. — said small businesses give a city its own feel.

“They’re extremely important. It gives an area individuality,” Breen said. “If you go to the mall stores, you can be in a mall anywhere and see the same stores.”

And while Breen has been giving Elyria part of its individuality for 28 years by selling current and vintage men’s and women’s clothing and renting costumes, other businesses, such as Kelly’s Boutique at 10 Lake Ave., are just getting their start.

At the boutique, which opened May 4, Kelly Gibson makes and repairs clothes and making iron-ons, curtains, pillows, blankets, coats and tote bags. She gives customers a 100 percent guarantee on her work.

For Independents Week, Gibson is offering 15 percent off repairs.

“They are very important. The business of America was founded on small independent people going into businesses themselves,” Gibson said. “There were no large corporations in the beginning.”

But locals can go to more places than Breen’s and Gibson’s shops to help small businesses this week. Other independent businesses in town include Vandemark Jewelers, Steppin’ Out Footwear, Moss’ Prime Rib, Elyria Hardware, Journey Around Music and Jim’s Coffeehouse.

“It takes a lot for them to stay in business,” Grubb said. “We have plenty that are very successful and have been here a long time.”

Contact Andrew Harner at 329-7155 or ctnews@chroniclet.com.

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