Volant merchants invite shoppers to buy local and shop small

VOLANT, Pa.-- While major retailers focus marketing on Black Friday sales on the day after Thanksgiving, nearly two dozen merchants in Volant want shoppers to think small and think local.

The Volant Merchant's Association is calling on customers to come out on the day after Black Friday, Nov. 24, for Small Business Saturday.  Organizers in the village are inviting people to shop at stores owned by friends and neighbors in the community.

The merchants are also planning ahead for the following weekend when they stage Noel Night on Dec. 1 and 7.  Those are the nights Volant lights up the community and hosts extended shopping hours until 9.  Organizers say the special evening hours will create a unique small town shopping experience illuminated by holiday lights.