Amidst the rush of big box stores and popular retailers offering Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales, small businesses can be pushed to the side. That is why recognizing and participating in Small Business Saturday is extremely important during the holiday season. Not only does it boost the local economy, but it also supports your friends and neighbors who are in the world of entrepreneurship.
Ironically enough, major credit card company American Express is the reason we have a nationally recognized Small Business Saturday during Thanksgiving weekend. They began the campaign in 2010 and it quickly caught national attention.
If you plan to participate in Small Business Saturday, make it a point to avoid purchasing gifts from big box stores that you may be able to find around the corner at a small shop or boutique. Things like jewelry, candles, decor and other trinkets are all great to buy from small businesses and are often better quality than the mass-produced items you might get from a major retailer. Make it a special day with your friends or family as you check gifts off of your holiday shopping list while helping out a local business owner in need.
If you are a small business owner, get the word out about Small Business Saturday! Utilize your social media pages to post about any deals or coupons you may be offering. Create posts and stories highlighting the best of your business and use bold, captivating text and photos to catch the attention of a potential customer. Offer promotions such as a free gift with purchase, percentage off of an order, or special giveaway to show your customers you appreciate them supporting you. You can also partner with other local businesses to offer a bundle deal or promote each other’s products within your store/website. Provide a special value to customers that they will only be able to find locally.
Shopping small keeps money local, boosting the economy and bettering your community overall. While some prices may be slightly higher, it is worth it to support a local business and receive one-on-one customer service along with amazing quality.