MORE SO THAN EVER, SHOPPERS PLANNING TO VISIT A SMALL BUSINESS THIS WEEKEND
LANSING (November 23, 2015)–As small business owners across
the nation gear up for Small Business Saturday this week, a record number of
shoppers are making plans to support their favorite local businesses. According
to the fourth-annual Small Business Saturday Consumer Insights Survey, released
by the National Federation of Independent Businesses (NFIB) and American
Express, supporting local small businesses continues to be a priority for
shoppers nationwide.
“Black Friday shopping has become so absurd it was only a
matter of time before people starting pushing back and demanding an experience
that did not require them to check their dignity at the door. Thankfully, that
has left people with an even deeper appreciation of the small business shopping
experience,” according to Amanda Fisher, NFIB Michigan assistant state
director.
Small Business Saturday was created by American Express in
2010 as a response to small business owners’ most pressing need: getting more
customers. Held on the Saturday following Thanksgiving, Small Business Saturday
helps rally communities to support local businesses. As Small Business Saturday
enters its sixth year, 55 percent of U.S. consumers report they are aware of
the day – the highest figure yet recorded – and even more encouraging, 83
percent say Small Business Saturday inspires them to Shop Small all year long.
“Small business Saturday is dedicated to increasing
awareness of the hard working small business owners that are just around the
corner from our homes. Supporting them often means supporting the same people
that sponsor our local sporting events and are pillars in our community,”
Continued Fisher.
Additional findings from the Small Business Saturday
Consumer Insights Survey include:
•
80% of consumers are willing to pay slightly more for an item if it is
purchased from a small, independently- owned retailer as opposed to online or at
a large retailer
•
On average, consumers are planning to do 35% of their holiday shopping at small
businesses
•
45% of consumers who expect to shop on the day plan to spend more on Small
Business Saturday this year than they spent last year
•
Almost two-thirds (64%) of consumers who plan to shop on Small Business
Saturday are motivated by the contributions that small businesses make to their
community
Governor Snyder joined with NFIB
recently to officially declare this Saturday small business Saturday via
proclamation. He encouraged community members to support small businesses by
buying local on the Saturday after Thanksgiving.
“The results of this year’s survey coupled with the
outstanding support our members have from the Governor have small businesses
throughout the state gearing up for what we all hope will be a very busy
weekend ahead. Shopping small, especially during the holiday season has become
a true community wide event,” concluded Fisher.
