This year's event is on November 27
Black Friday might not have the impact it once did as chain stores and online retailers launch their holiday sales earlier in the season, but Small Business Saturday is gaining momentum.
Last year, shoppers spent $19.8 billion at local shops and restaurants on Small Business Saturday, up from $19.6 million in 2019 — no small feat considering the COVID-19 restrictions in place at the time. This year’s Small Business Saturday is November 27.
Small Business Saturday began in 2010 when many Main Street businesses were struggling to recover from the Great Recession. Now in its 12th year, Small Business Saturday has become a national event, an opportunity for people to support the small, independent businesses that make their communities strong.
Here are some of the ways shops and restaurants can make the most of Small Business Saturday:
- Stay on top of your social media. If you’re on Facebook or Twitter or Instagram or Pinterest, post often and promote any Small Business Saturday deals. Use the hashtags #ShopSmall and #SmallBizSat so shoppers can find you easily.
- Showcase merchandise that would make a great gift. Group items on a table with a sign saying it would be the perfect gift for mom or the grandparents, for example. Restaurants can offer Small Business Saturday specials and gift cards.
- Offer doorbusters. Chain stores know a great way to drive shoppers to their stores is by offering exclusive deals at different times of the day. There’s no reason small businesses can’t do the same thing.
- Partner with nearby businesses. Pool your resources to buy advertising promoting the neighborhood as a shopping destination or team up with other businesses on in-store promotions. For example, if someone buys a shirt at one store, tell them about the great deal on shoes at the shop next door.
- Don’t forget to tell your regular customers about Small Business Saturday. Put a sign in your shop and flyers in bags reminding folks to come back the Saturday after Thanksgiving for special deals.
