With the holiday season upon us, many consumers are going about purchasing Christmas and Hanukkah gifts via big box stores and chain retailers. Black Friday and Cyber Monday have made it easier for shoppers to buy things at bargain basement prices, which can sometime squeeze the smaller retailers and shoppes out of business. Small businesses are the lifeblood of our country and are responsible for employing millions of citizens, so it is important that they stay in business. Credit card imprint American Express has committed themselves to small businesses and helping them grow and connect with more patrons by creating Small Business Saturday.
Small Business Saturday was created in 2010 and is an American holiday in the same vein of Black Friday and Cyber Monday. But instead of staying in lines waiting for only a few available items which are slashed in half, you are urged to patronize a small business and purchase items from a local mom and pop store or imprint. By supporting our small businesses, we in turn give back to the community, since it’s these businesses that help shape our neighborhoods. Doing business in your own backyard is a great way to help your local economy.
Last year, I participated in Small Business Saturday by purchasing gifts for the holiday at local shoppes. American Express is also offering rebates or special offers to their cardholders that buy from small businesses on November 24th.
You are urged to spend at least $50 at a small business or retailer. If everyone did this, it would really stimulate the economy, locally and nationally.
To learn more about Small Business Saturday, you can visit their official website. Also, you can like Small Business Saturday on Facebook, which is updated daily with more information and tips.
Will you be participating in Small Business Saturday this year?
Yes, what a great idea! I try to avoid franchises in support of smaller shops because I’m afraid that they’re all going to die out (at least in the US anyway). Thanks for spreading the word.