LANCASTER, Pa. — As the second round of the US Women’s Open continues in Lancaster, viewers across the country are being exposed to small businesses in Lancaster.
Golf stars Lexi Thompson, Celine Boutier, and Gabi Ruffels are carrying the logos of three Lancaster businesses on their golf bags. This is part of the American Express x US Women's Open Player Small Business Spotlight.
Brittnie Jones, who's Savoy Truffle Market bag is being carried by Lexi Thompson, said she was stunned when her business was picked to be represented in the tournament.
“We aren’t sure why we were selected; we didn’t apply for it or anything like that," said Jones. "A representative from American Express reached out to us and asked if we would participate, and of course we said yes.”
Meanwhile, Nichole Taylor Boutique's logo is being carried by Gabi Ruffels. Taylor said the promotion has increased the amount of local traffic she sees in her business.
“I just went to the boba tea place and the woman was like, ‘oh my God, I saw you on TV,'" recalled Taylor.
She added that her business has also gotten international exposure since the start of the US Women's Open.
“I’ve been getting DM’s from people asking, ‘hey, we saw you have a website. Do you ship overseas? Do you ship to Canada or the UK?’”
Celine Boutier, the number three ranked golfer in the world, has been carrying a bag sporting the Lancaster Beignet Company logo. Co-owner Colin Dawkins said the exposure is helping draw more attention to the young business.
"We've only been here for a year-and-a-half," said Dawkins. “That type of exposure for us is a gamechanger. It’s huge.”
Dawkins said having more people visit his business is also benefiting other small businesses across Lancaster.
“Just having that connection and getting people downtown to find out more about Lancaster if they’ve never been there, it’s been a really great time."
