Buy Local on Small Business Saturday
Posted by Dave Willems, President & CEO, Willems Marketing
It all started with Black Friday and the huge door-buster deals shoppers could find the day after Thanksgiving. Next came Cyber Monday with extreme savings for online bargain hunters. Now there’s a new shopping day squeezed between the two that’s designed to promote the “buy local” message during the big holiday spending weekend: Small Business Saturday.
If you haven’t already heard of it, Small Business Saturday was introduced in 2010 by American Express with the goal of boosting sales at area businesses and recognizing their community influence as it relates to job creation and economic growth. You may not find your holiday gift items at discounts of 70-80% like the big box stores can provide, but shopping local will help your community in more ways than you may realize.
Apparently it’s catching on. With incentives for business owners and consumers – from marketing toolkits and free advertising to gift cards and credits – everyone benefits. American Express reports a 28% increase in sales for Small Business Saturday in 2010 over the previous year and is joined by 200 sponsors this year and many big-name participants, including Fed Ex, Google and Facebook.
So how can you show your small business spirit? Simple! Join more than 1.85 million people who have taken the “I Pledge to Shop Small” challenge on Facebook and check out the page to find info for buyers and business owners: www.facebook.com/SmallBusinessSaturday.
Then, make it a point to get out on Saturday, November 26, and open up your wallets at some of the fine local retailers in your community. It feels good to buy local!
Willems Marketing is located 120 N. Morrison St. in Downtown Appleton.
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