LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — Small businesses in Las Vegas say they had a slow day at their in-person locations on Black Friday due to online sales and COVID-19.
“We got here this morning and it was like crickets,” said Arianna Robinov.
She opened up Jacinta Boutique in Town Square almost a year ago.
It was her dream to not only have customers pick out trendy clothes, but to storm the runway in the same trip.
“I wanted to bring something different to Vegas,” Robinov said.
She says has been looking to online sales to keep the store afloat, especially on Black Friday.
“It’s been a saving grace,” Robinov said. “Through COVID-19 it’s definitely helped to have that presence.”
As locally-owned storefronts work to return to pre-pandemic profits, new 25% capacity restrictions in Nevada are also keeping other small businesses at bay.
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Farmtable Kitchen + Spirits was hoping to feed tired shoppers after a long day of holiday spending at Town Square.
“It’s been rough,” said Denise Vaughn, assistant general manager. “We were expecting it to be a little busier than it is but all we can do is hope for the best.”
Vaughn says restaurants, bars and other businesses used to get a kick out of the end of the year shopping traditions.
Despite a slow Black Friday, businesses are remaining optimistic.
“The fact that we were slow today doesn’t matter,” said Brandon Birdsong, executive chef. “The food is great here so the pandemic isn’t slowing us down.”
LIST of Las Vegas stores/malls that will be open/closed for Black Friday | 2020