Wondering how Small Business Saturday got started three years ago? Check out this story from the Long Prairie Leader, a newspaper in a small community that depends on small business:
In 2010, after nearly three years of recession, the giant company American Express decided to try to do something to help small businesses survive.
American Express designated the Saturday after Thanksgiving as Small Business Saturday. On this day, consumers are asked to shop at independent retailers and other small businesses, especially those that carry goods made in the USA. This year, Small Business Saturday is Nov. 30.
In 2011, millions of shoppers participated in Small Business Saturday, and in 2012, estimated consumer spending for the event was estimated at $5.5 billion (Redshift Research Study, quoted by www.americanexpress.com/us/content/small-business/shop-small/about.)
WHY THE NEED FOR SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY?
Since 2008 when the U.S. housing crash followed the banking crisis, many businesses have seen their customers disappear, as millions lost their jobs and had almost no money to spend.
This was especially true over the last five years for businesses in small towns: mom and pop grocery stores, cafes, hardware stores, beauty salons, bakeries, custom meat processors, florists, independent gas stations, embroidery services, arts and crafts boutiques, auto repair and parts stores, carpet and flooring outlets, and restaurants. It seemed that when people had to make purchases, they drove miles away to giant mass-market retailers and big-box stores, searching for the lowest prices.
Small Business Saturday falls right between Black Friday and Cyber Monday in the holiday marketing calendar. It’s a perfect day to shop.
Small businesses today have survived the recession, the demands for cost-cutting, and cautious consumers. Many owners are feeling more optimistic, and are finding ways to bring customers to their doors.
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