What is Small Business Saturday? Ways for shoppers to help support small local shops and stores
After the madness of Black Friday, those who are still in the mood to shop can help out local entrepreneurs by participating in Small Business Saturday.
Giant retailers make a killing on Black Friday, and the following day shifts the focus to local shops.
Small Business Saturday is an annual shopping tradition that falls on the Saturday following Thanksgiving Day. The day is positioned as a counterpart to Black Friday and Cyber Monday, which often feature large retailers and e-commerce giants.
American Express played a significant role in the launch of Small Business Saturday in 2010. The company created the “Shop Small” movement, encouraging cardholders to use their cards at local, independently-owned shops and offering various incentives. The US Small Business Association officially became a co-sponsor of the event in 2011.
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More shoppers take part in alternative to Black Friday
The shopping day has grown in popularity since its inception and has become an annual tradition for many shoppers. It serves as a reminder of the importance of supporting small businesses, contributing to local economies, and maintaining the vibrancy of neighborhood communities. Consumers spent around $18 billion at independent retailers in 2022.
The movement has gained momentum through social media, with businesses and consumers using hashtags such as #SmallBusinessSaturday to share their experiences and support the initiative.
How to support small local shops and stores
If you want to encourage the growth of local shops, you can search for participating businesses in your area here.
Small business owners can get some assistance in setting up shop for the day in the form of marketing materials like sample posters and social media resources here.
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How Small Business Saturday helps local communities
The shopping day fosters a sense of community engagement and encourages people to explore the unique businesses in their neighborhoods. Local shops may offer special promotions, discounts, or events to attract customers on this day.
The event is often promoted through collaborations with local governments, chambers of commerce, and other community groups. These organizations work together to raise awareness and create a positive shopping environment for small businesses.