Now in its seventh year, Small Business Saturday serves as the kickoff to the holiday shopping season for small businesses across the United States. Each year, shoppers spend tens of billions at small businesses on the Saturday after Thanksgiving.
[custom_headline type=”left” level=”h2″ looks_like=”h3″]Why Is Small Business Saturday So Important?[/custom_headline]
Focusing on small businesses and local jobs directly combats income inequality. Small businesses create jobs — 70% of the jobs created since the end of the recession came from small businesses, as opposed to zero net new jobs from giant corporations. But simply creating jobs won’t stem the tide of income inequality. The kinds of jobs being created, and where those jobs drive their wealth, matters just as much.
Our friends at Fit Small Business recently looked into why Small Business Saturday is so important for these job-creating community businesses:
- Over half (52%) of consumers plan to shop the weekend following Thanksgiving.
- 1 in 4 holiday shoppers (24%) are planning to “shop small” and purchase gifts and other holiday items such as decorations and food at a small or local business.2
- Boutiques should expect the biggest crowds of holiday shoppers, with 46% of consumers saying they are likely to shop at this type of small business.
- The main driving force behind people visiting local businesses is to “support” local business, with 50% of survey respondents choosing this as a reason to shop small.
- Although half (51%) of consumers cited price as the #1 reason they would not shop at a small business, almost half (48%) said they would buy a present at a small business even if they could find it cheaper online or at a chain store.
- Consumers who are planning to spend the most on holiday shopping are also more likely to shop on Small Business Saturday.
Small businesses are the character of our communities. The bakery that makes your favorite muffins, the store that makes and sells those one-of-a-kind-shirts and hats you love, the coffee shop you remember going to with mom every weekend. That list goes on and on. Small businesses make your neighborhood, town, or city unique. They’re also creating the best local jobs — better pay and benefits, and they keep way more money in the community, than chain stores or big multinational corporations.
[custom_headline type=”left” level=”h2″ looks_like=”h3″]Get Involved And #ShopSmall[/custom_headline]
Pacific Community Ventures recognizes the importance of supporting small businesses to create new wealth and opportunity in our communities. You can learn more about Small Business Saturday and how to get involved by visiting ShopSmall.com and the official Small Business Saturday Facebook page.
Check out resources at ShopSmall.com that can help you stand out:
- SPREAD THE WORD: Download marketing materials that can help you attract new customers on the day. And check out PCV’s Marketing 101 series, for tips and tricks to maximizing your impact.
- PROMOTE YOUR BUSINESS: Apply for free personalized online ads, and get social with the hashtags #SmallBizSat and #ShopSmall
- GET INSPIRED: Visit ShopSmall.com to see what others have done in past years to make the day a success
- GET MORE IDEAS: Head to Fit Small Business for a ton of ideas on ways and strategies to draw customers to your store this year.
Be a part of Small Business Saturday 2016 and make it one of the biggest days of the year for your business. Don’t forget to use the hashtag #ShopSmall and share what your business is doing, or what you’ve bought from businesses in your neighborhood!
[custom_headline type=”left” level=”h2″ looks_like=”h3″]About Small Business Saturday[/custom_headline]
Nov 26 marks the seventh annual Small Business Saturday, a day to support the local businesses that create jobs, boost the economy and preserve neighborhoods around the country. Small Business Saturday was created in 2010 in response to small business owners’ most pressing need: more customers. To date, more than 3.5 million Facebook users “liked” the Small Business Saturday. Just last year, 370+ advocacy organizations, 160+ corporations, and elected officials in all 50 states and Washington D.C. declared their support for Small Business Saturday.