Small Businesses To Compete With Big Box Stores, On-line Retailers

CHICAGO (CBS)-- In Hinsdale's quaint, historic downtown, more than 80 small businesses are battling both the big box stores and the growing clout of on-line retailers.

Hinsdale Chamber of Commerce Jan Anderson said there are two ways small businesses stand out from the rest.
"I think it's their individuality and personal customer service. They know their customers well and can give them that one-on-one attention."

At the Green Goddess shop, gift wrapping is free with several of one-of-a -kind pieces by local artisans.

Green Goddess sales clerk Angelique Abramowicz said "She goes all around the world and finds these rosaries and then she redoes them to make them more modern, more edgy."

It's a counter-attack against chain stores with huge ad budgets.

"So when you go to Nordstrom, you go to Macy's and you go out to a party and have the exact thing that someone else does, you won't get that here, "Abramowicz said.

Fuller's hardware sells high end housewares and holiday décor—but most of all, sells service, with recession-weary customers finally willing to spend.

Paula Goss at Fuller's Hardware said, "I think people are excited, they know the campaign is over, with the presidency, so this is it for the next 4 years, what are they gonna do? Live your life, shop, do what you can, hopefully make it".

Merchants credit the Small Business Saturday campaign with getting big crowds into the local shops last weekend.

They're hopeful customers will have enough time to shop and spend at local businesses.