Situated between the long lines of #BlackFriday and the seemingly minute-long online deals of #CyberMonday is a relatively new holiday which glorifies the value of small businesses: #SmallBusinessSaturday.
Small Business Saturday is on November 28, 2020.
The Illinois Hispanic Chamber of Commerce is encouraging Illinoisans to support local communities by shopping at small businesses on Saturday, November 28.
“Supporting the local economy is the driving force behind Small Business Saturday, every year the IHCC has been proud to partner with this national event and bring awareness to our community during this holiday shopping season,” said IHCC President & CEO, Jaime di Paulo.
“The IHCC helps empower over 100,000 hispanic small businesses by providing them with tools they need to start, grow and expand their business during this holiday season and throughout the year.”
Each year, Small Business Saturday draws crowds to main streets across the country with great deals on unique products and services, events that encourage shopping locally, and unique experiences that introduce you to commonly valued neighbors.
Small Business Saturday was trademarked by the American Express Corporation in 2010.
The holiday quickly outgrew American Express, and has been adopted or recognized by local business organizations across the country, the Small Business Administration (SBA), and even U.S. Congress.
Today, small businesses recognize Small Business Saturday by participating in local community events, spreading the word about the holiday online and in their stores, and marketing exclusive deals to customers.
- In 2017, an estimated 108 million consumers shopped or dined at local businesses on Small Business Saturday, and 70% of U.S. consumers were aware of the holiday, according to a survey conducted by the National Federation of Independent Business.
- Additionally, nearly 48% of consumers who participated in Small Business Saturday reported that they visited a small business that they had previously had not been to on that day.
- These numbers are especially impressive, given that the holiday is only 10 years old.
While this holiday is designed to help draw customers to local small businesses, it can be challenging for business owners to plan events, decorate their stores, and market their offers.
That will especially be the case this year due to the coronavirus pandemic, which has forced many businesses to change the way they operate and has reduced opportunities for in-person events.
Why Small Business Saturday Matters?
- Small Business Saturday is an important holiday to draw attention to the importance of shopping at local businesses over large retailers.
- By becoming registered on small business directories for the holiday, offering exclusive deals, and marketing in advance of the holiday, small businesses can draw in customers that will hopefully direct their dollars to these businesses for the foreseeable future.
- This holiday is a clear win for small businesses, but consumers benefit as well by finding great new local products and services and supporting their local economies.
- When shopping locally, $68 for every $100 stays in the community, while only $43 stays in the community when shopping non-locally.
- Shopping locally also offers a more unique product selection which is the primary reason that shoppers state they prefer small and local retailers.