Small Business Saturday is an annual event that celebrates local small businesses and encourages people to shop and dine at small stores. It takes place on the Saturday after Thanksgiving, which is Nov. 25 for 2023. This year, small businesses are preparing for the big day with various strategies and promotions to attract customers and boost sales.
The Importance of Shopping Small
Small businesses are the backbone of the local economy and the community. They provide unique products and services that big corporations can’t. They also create jobs, pay taxes, and support local causes. By shopping small, consumers can help these businesses thrive and contribute to the well-being of their neighborhoods.
Some of the benefits of shopping small are:
- Small businesses are important to the local economy. When you shop small, the money you spend often goes back into the local community. This fosters job creation and stimulates economic growth. Plus, what you spend on sales tax and the taxes the business pays, stay in your community to support schools, roads and more.
- Small businesses make your town special. Small businesses contribute to the local identity, creating diverse and vibrant communities. They often offer personalized experiences that large chains cannot.
- Small businesses can be better for the environment. Small businesses often use fewer resources than large retailers. They can also produce goods in smaller quantities and generate less waste. While not all small businesses are inherently eco-friendly, their scale, local orientation and connection to the community can help maintain a smaller footprint.
- Small businesses may have better customer service and expertise. Small business owners are often a part of their communities, so they have a good incentive to provide excellent customer service. They’re also very invested in their business and may have a depth of knowledge and expertise not found at larger businesses.
How Small Businesses Can Celebrate
Small businesses can take advantage of Small Business Saturday to showcase their products and services, attract new customers, and increase their sales. Here are some tips on how small businesses can celebrate and make the most of this day:
- Have a sale. Small Business Saturday kicks off the holiday season and is a great time to have a sale. Holiday shoppers will be out and about, so having a sale can give them an incentive to visit your store. You can offer discounts, freebies, coupons, or gift cards to entice buyers.
- Host an event. Organize workshops, live music, or special in-store experiences to generate a buzz and attract customers. You can also partner with other local businesses to create a joint event or a cross-promotion. For example, you can offer a free coffee from a nearby cafe with every purchase, or a discount at a local restaurant for showing your receipt.
- Use social media. Promote your business and your Small Business Saturday deals and activities on social media platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. You can use popular hashtags like #ShopSmall or #ShopSmallSaturday to increase your visibility and encourage your customers to use them when sharing their purchases and experiences. You can also create a branded hashtag specifically for your business or event. This will help generate buzz and create a sense of community around your event—as well as evoke fear of missing out, or FOMO, among those who don’t attend.
- Offer curbside pickup. Curbside pickup is a convenient option for customers who want to shop small but avoid crowds or long lines. It also reduces the risk of exposure to COVID-19 and other viruses. You can set up a designated area for curbside pickup, where customers can park and receive their orders without leaving their cars. You can also use an app or a website to accept orders and payments online, and notify customers when their orders are ready.
- Join the movement. You can register your business on the official Small Business Saturday website, where you can access free marketing materials, tips, and resources to help you plan and promote your event. You can also join the Shop Small Studio, where you can create and download customized digital and print materials for your business. You can also connect with other small business owners and supporters on the Shop Small Forum, where you can share ideas, stories, and best practices.
How Consumers Can Support Small Businesses
Consumers can show their support for small businesses by shopping and dining at local stores on Small Business Saturday and beyond. Here are some ways consumers can support small businesses:
- Shop locally. Visit your favorite local stores or explore new ones in your area. You can find a variety of products and services that are unique, high-quality, and locally made. You can also discover new things and have fun while shopping.
- Dine locally. Treat yourself to a meal or a snack at a local restaurant, cafe, or bakery. You can enjoy delicious food and drinks that are fresh, authentic, and diverse. You can also support the local farmers, producers, and suppliers who provide the ingredients for your dishes.
- Spread the word. Share your shopping and dining experiences with your friends, family, and social media followers. You can post photos, videos, reviews, or testimonials of the products and services you bought, and tag the businesses you visited. You can also use hashtags like #ShopSmall or #ShopSmallSaturday to join the conversation and inspire others to shop small.
- Write a review. Leave a positive review or a rating for the businesses you visited on platforms like Google, Yelp, or Facebook. This will help boost their online presence and reputation, and attract more customers. You can also provide feedback or suggestions to help them improve their products and services.
- Say thank you. Show your appreciation and gratitude to the small business owners and staff who served you. You can say thank you in person, by phone, by email, or by card. You can also tip generously or give a gift to show your recognition and support.
Small Business Saturday is a great opportunity for both small businesses and consumers to celebrate and support each other. By shopping small, consumers can help small businesses survive and thrive, while enjoying unique products and services that enrich their lives. By celebrating small, small businesses can showcase their offerings, attract new customers, and increase their sales, while contributing to the local economy and community.
