Small businesses share thoughts on Cyber Monday

ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10) -Cyber Monday is expected to bring in $13.2 billion from U.S. shoppers according to Adobe Analytics. NEWS10's Anthony Krolikowski spoke with small businesses in Stuyvesant Plaza and shares their opinion on the day.

"Well interestingly enough, Cyber Monday really means very little to an independent business," stated Cheryl McKeon, Manager of Book House.

Like many stores, Book House of Stuyvesant Plaza has a website where you can search its stock and buy online. But the manager says their focus is in-store. "We don't have any special sales for Cyber Monday because as I say, we pretty much don't observe that at all. We see that as kind of the purview of the malls and the big-box stores."

Instead, McKeon set up author events and gave away advance copies of books for Small Business Saturday. "We were fully staffed and we had a wonderful turnout and support from the community."

At the nearby Apple Barrel, the owners have a similar outlook. Joshua Loden-Bray says they sent out emails, pushing shoppers to experience what they had to offer in-store on Saturday and Black Friday.

"With Stuyvesant Plaza, every day is a record day because this is our first year but as far as for our Schoharie location, we did see increases in both days," said Loden-Bray.

Even without the lowest prices around, both businesses say having a physical location has its perks. "It's just like the bookstore," described Loden-Bray. "People like to feel, touch and have that physical item in their hand and I think it's more gratifying being able to go out, buy it and have it immediately."