20 December 2024

What Exactly is Small Business Saturday?

By Ronald Smith

Let me tell you all about this thing called Small Business Saturday. It’s pretty cool, and it’s something that we should all know about!

Small Business Saturday is a special day that’s all about supporting local businesses in our community. It happens every year on the Saturday after Thanksgiving. You know, that day when we’ve just finished stuffing ourselves with turkey and spending time with our loved ones.

Now, you might be wondering why Small Business Saturday is such a big deal. Well, let me break it down for you. See, small businesses are the heart and soul of our neighborhoods. They’re the mom-and-pop shops, the local restaurants, the one-of-a-kind boutiques, and the friendly services we all rely on.

On Small Business Saturday, we’re encouraged to go out and shop at these small businesses. When we do this, we’re showing our support and helping them thrive. It’s like giving them a big high-five and saying, Hey, I appreciate what you do!

When we shop local, we’re not just getting great products and services. We’re also helping to create jobs in our community and boost our local economy. It’s a win-win situation for everyone.

So, how can you get involved? It’s pretty easy, actually. All you have to do is go out and shop at your favorite local businesses on Small Business Saturday. You can also spread the word and encourage your friends and family to join in the fun.

Remember, Small Business Saturday is a chance for us to make a difference and support the small businesses that make our community unique. So mark your calendars, grab your friends, and get ready to shop local on Small Business Saturday!

Key Takeaways:

– Small Business Saturday is a day dedicated to supporting local businesses in our community.

– It takes place on the Saturday after Thanksgiving every year.

– By shopping at small businesses, we show our support and help them thrive.

– Shopping local helps create jobs and boost our local economy.

– You can get involved by shopping at local businesses and spreading the word.

What Exactly is Small Business Saturday?

Have you ever heard of Small Business Saturday? It’s this awesome event that happens every year in the United States. Started by American Express back in 2010, it’s all about showing love and support for our local small businesses. And get this, it takes place on the Saturday after Thanksgiving!

So why do we have Small Business Saturday, you ask? Well, it’s all about encouraging folks like you and me to ditch the big-box stores for a day and head on over to our favorite neighborhood shops. American Express wanted to make sure small business owners got their chance to shine during the crazy holiday shopping season. And let me tell you, it’s been a huge success!

American Express has been doing an amazing job promoting Small Business Saturday with the hashtag #US Americasaturday. Since it first started, you won’t believe how much money US consumers have spent. Can you guess? Drumroll please… Nearly $140 billion! Yeah, it’s no joke. And last year alone, people spent a whopping $19.8 billion on Small Business Saturday!

So, What’s the Point?

I want to talk to you about this awesome national shopping holiday called Small Business Saturday. It’s a day where we all come together to support our local small businesses, which are the real heroes of our economy. This special holiday includes exciting events that encourage us to shop at our neighborhood stores and enjoy all the amazing products and services they offer.

So, when does Small Business Saturday happen?

What Exactly is Small Business Saturday?

The Fascinating History of Small Business Saturday

Back in 2010, American Express came up with a brilliant idea to inspire people like you and me to support local businesses. It was called Small Business Saturday, and it quickly became a beloved tradition. The aim was to encourage holiday shoppers to step away from big chain stores and show some love to their neighborhood mom-and-pop shops.

But that’s not all. The following year, the Senate got in on the action too. They passed a resolution officially recognizing Small Business Saturday as a day to raise awareness about the incredible value of small businesses in our communities. It was a big win for the underdogs!

Then, in 2015, the Small Business Administration joined forces with American Express to make this special day even more impactful. So now, for over a decade, Small Business Saturday has been dedicated to supporting small businesses, helping them grow and thrive, and giving a boost to local economies.

For business owners, Small Business Saturday is like a golden opportunity. It’s a chance for them to revamp their marketing strategies and attract more customers during the holiday season. It’s a day filled with excitement, anticipation, and lots of festive cheer!

And guess what? The success of Small Business Saturday didn’t just stay within American borders. It inspired our friends in the United Kingdom too! Since 2013, they’ve been celebrating their own version of Small Business Saturday in December. It’s a truly global movement!

If you’re up for a little challenge, you can test your knowledge and see how you stack up against others by taking the Small Business Saturday quiz. Are you ready to show your love for small businesses? Let’s make this Small Business Saturday the best one yet!

Who Can Join in Small Business Saturday?

Small Business Saturday is all about giving small businesses a chance to shine during the holiday shopping frenzy. It’s a way for them to stand tall against big-box stores and online giants. This special shopping day encourages people like you to support local and independent businesses. Anyone can participate, as long as they’re a small business with fewer than 500 employees. This includes local shops, restaurants, and service providers.

Why Small Businesses Should Take Part

If you’re a small business owner, you should think about joining Small Business Saturday. It’s a great way to boost your brand, make connections with customers, and generate strong sales. Here are a few good reasons to consider taking part:

1. Connect with more customers: Small Business Saturday is happening all across the country in every state. To make it even easier for people to support their local businesses, American Express has created a map and online directory where your business can be listed for free.

3. Consumers get rewards: When you support small businesses, like American Express does through its Shop Small campaign, you can earn special points on your credit card.

4. Building community spirit: Small Business Saturday is more than just selling. It’s an event that brings people together to support their local community and businesses.

5. You can promote what makes you special: Since this holiday shopping event is tailored to your business, you can maximize your holiday marketing efforts by being a part of it. By shopping locally, consumers are encouraged to buy from nearby businesses, which also helps you save money on shipping and delivery.

What Exactly is Small Business Saturday?

How Can You, as a Local Business, Get Involved?

Hey there, fellow small business owner! Guess what? You don’t have to sign up with anyone to join in on all the fun of Small Business Saturday. It’s super easy to get involved – all you have to do is decide to participate and start planning. And let me tell you, there are some awesome opportunities waiting for you when you join in on Small Business Saturday. Here are a few tips to help you get started:

Give discounts and have sales: The holiday season can be stressful for shoppers, but you can make it a bit merrier for them by offering special discounts and promotions.

Get ready for lots of people: Get ready, because Small Business Saturday is coming up and your store is going to be packed with customers. Make sure you have enough stock to handle all the orders and sales that will come your way.

Be featured on the Shop Small Map: If you accept American Express cards, you can get your business listed on the Shop Small Map. This will show shoppers that you are participating in Small Business Saturday and they can come explore your business.

Team up with other businesses: Small Business Saturday is all about supporting local businesses and the community. You can team up with other small businesses to host a special event or sponsor a local gathering. Together, you can make the day even more meaningful for everyone.

Be the Hero of Your Neighborhood: Neighborhood champions are like superstars who step up and organize exciting events or special deals to get everyone excited about Small Business Saturday. As a neighborhood champion or Shop Small ambassador, you have the power to inspire your community to shop at local stores not just during the holiday season, but all year round. You can also encourage local businesses to join in the fun and excitement of this special holiday season.

What Exactly is Small Business Saturday?

How Can I Make My Business Successful on Small Business Saturday?

Set Goals: To have a successful Small Business Saturday, I need to plan ahead. This means I should set goals for reaching various sales targets and make sure I am ready to stay open.

Ensure I have enough inventory: To prepare for holiday orders, I need to make sure I have enough products in my store. It’s important to anticipate the demand and order from suppliers well in advance, as they will be busy during the holiday season.

Adjust your marketing strategy: Let everyone know about the great things you have to offer during this special shopping event by using various marketing channels such as posters, flyers, your website, and social media posts. Don’t worry if you need assistance because American Express is here to help. They provide free resources and marketing materials to help you kickstart your campaign.

What Exactly is Small Business Saturday?

Get Ready for Small Business Saturday Success!

Are you ready to make the most of Small Business Saturday and really connect with your community? Well, I’ve got some awesome strategies to help you thrive on this special day:

  • Set Clear Goals: First things first, let’s establish some specific sales targets and objectives for Small Business Saturday. When you have a clear goal in mind, it’s easier to focus your efforts and make the most of this opportunity.
  • Stock Up Adequately: You know what they say – if you build it, they will come. Make sure you’ve got plenty of inventory to meet the increased demand during the holiday season. No one wants to come to your store only to find their favorite item sold out!
  • Tailor Your Marketing: Now, let’s get creative with your marketing campaign. It’s time to spread the word about your Small Business Saturday offers! Utilize all the different channels available to you, like posters, flyers, websites, and even social media. Let’s get the whole community excited about what you have to offer!
  • Work Together and Team Up: Join forces with other local businesses to collaborate on community events or support activities that honor Small Business Saturday.
  • Step Up as a Local Leader: Take the initiative to become a Neighborhood Champion and organize and promote Small Business Saturday events in your community.
  • Get Ready for More Customers: Get prepared for a big increase in people visiting your store, and make sure you’re ready to handle the extra customers.
  • Offer Special Deals and Promotions: Attract holiday shoppers by offering special discounts and promotions that will make their shopping experience even better.

How to Participate in Small Business Saturday

If you accept American Express cards, you have the opportunity to get your business featured on the Shop Small Map. This will help attract more shoppers and increase your visibility.

Conclusion

Small Business Saturday is not just about shopping; it’s a celebration of local businesses that are the backbone of our economy. This tradition has been growing for over a decade, supporting small businesses and fostering community spirit. By actively participating in Small Business Saturday, you can increase your brand visibility, connect with customers, and boost sales. This day benefits not only individual businesses but also strengthens our communities by emphasizing the value of shopping locally. As we approach the upcoming Small Business Saturday, remember that it’s not just about deals and discounts. It’s about coming together to support the heart and soul of our neighborhoods. So mark your calendars, plan your promotions, and get ready to be part of this remarkable celebration of small businesses.