How local businesses are navigating Prime Day, encourage buying local

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) - Friday is the final day of Amazon’s extended Prime Day sales event, with online shoppers flocking to score discounts on everything from electronics to home goods. Nationally, Prime Day spending is expected to top $23 billion.

But not everyone is buying into the hype.

Local businesses say the growing dominance of e-commerce, especially during major sale events like Prime Day, is creating serious challenges, including lower sales.

“It’s slow for everybody... It’s not only the weather, it’s Amazon and all that it’s hard for small businesses.”

Maria, local small business employee

But local shoppers say you just can't beat shopping in person.

“Online is easier but it’s nice to support them because these people have families and they live here and I just feel like it’s a personal type thing where you can help them out... Just now I asked her which looks best on me and I guess the advice and support from the person who works there you don’t get that online. You just have to get the size and hope it fits. This I can try on and I can make sure it fits good and she can tell me whether it looks good or not.”

Janae, Palm Springs resident

Some businesses are even making a push of their own, reminding residents that some of the best deals, and biggest impacts, are still found close to home.

“My main focus because we're under $10 clothing shop, is to keep my merchandise better and better. Sale is always there, but I try to keep my quality... I think the best thing is start showing our stuff online too. What kind of merchandise we carry. That helps maybe more businesses.”

Azmatqazi, L.A.'s Fashion owner

Owners who see an opportunity to reconnect with consumers eager to shop.

Stay with News Channel 3 for more.