Small businesses and consumers are gearing up to support their favorite local, independent businesses on small business Saturday, set to take place on Nov. 26.
Small Business Saturday is held annually on the Saturday following Thanksgiving and was founded by American Express as a response to small business owners’ most pressing need: getting more customers through their doors, rallying communities to support local businesses and helping kick off a successful holiday sales period.
“Since its inception, Small Business Saturday has brought national attention to supporting the local businesses we love,” Elizabeth Rutledge, Executive Vice President, Global Advertising & Brand Management at American Express, said. “Small Business Saturday reminds consumers of how valuable small businesses are to our communities, and we are proud to be the founding partner.”
On average, 33 percent of consumers holiday spending this year is expected to be done at small retailers or restaurants, which is on par with last year. 76 percent said they will visit at least one small business as part of their overall holiday shopping, which is also on par with last year, and 91 percent reported that supporting small, independently-owned bars and restaurants is important to them.
“Small businesses across the nation and in East Cobb are often run by the friends, family and neighbors that we know so well, so supporting them is not only personal but critical to their success,” says Cynthia Rozzo, editor and publisher of the EAST COBBER.
You can make your Small Business Saturday shopping merry and bright with these gift ideas from these local businesses featured in our Holiday Gift Guide:
Each year, consumers make it a tradition to share their Small Business Saturday experiences on social media. This year consumers and small businesses can share their experiences using the hashtags #ShopSmall, #SmallBizSat and #DineSmall on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
