When do you start your Holiday shopping? Many eager consumers begin right after the previous Christmas and Hanukah Holiday season, taking advantage of the clearance deals and trying to fulfill their resolution to be prepared earlier for the next year. For those who wait for the more traditional time – the day following Thanksgiving - there are several options. Black Friday begins the rush to find the right gifts at the right price for the loved ones on your list. For me, my shopping season begins on Small Business Saturday. Seeing the reaction on the faces of those who open gifts from local small businesses is priceless and is sure to make even a Scrooge’s heart melt.
Small Business Saturday, (SBS) the Saturday following Thanksgiving, was officially launched on November 27th, 2010, as a product of American Express to spur sales for small businesses that accepted American Express cards. SBS has since transitioned into a movement that has garnered the support for both small and local businesses across the nation, and begun an effort to change the culture and behavior of consumers who have primarily focused on big name retailers that had significantly reduced their prices. A year after the SBS inauguration, support from the US Senate, by resolution, declaring the Saturday after Thanksgiving “Small Business Saturday” made this day even more prominent. In 2012, 73.9 million people participated in SBS, a feat that was partially assisted by promotional support from American Express to SBS categorized stores. In 2014, only 5 years after SBS had been established, it was estimated that $14.3 billion was spent at independently run small businesses on SBS.
There are a significant number of small businesses in our area that need your support, and SBS is the perfect opportunity for you to start. When most people think of a small business, they envision a “mom and pop” store. Contrary to this popular thought, and according to the Small Business Association (SBA.gov), small businesses are defined by either the number of employees or the annual revenue, depending upon the industry. For example, a florist with annual revenues of $7.5 million or less is considered a small business, as are travel agencies with sales of up to $20.5 million. You need only look at these numbers to realize that small businesses range widely in size and presence in the market. (For a more detailed listing of what the SBA defines as a small business, click here.)
Many members of the Adirondack Regional Chamber of Commerce will be actively participating in SBS, which falls this year on Saturday, November 28, 2015. You will notice promotions online via social media on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, FourSquare & Instagram, in print media, and in-store promotional materials such as balloons, welcome mats and other signage. Even if you don’t have an American Express card, you need not worry - you can still support this day as most SBS merchants accept Discover, MasterCard, Visa and cash. And with so many great options in our area for local, small business shopping, supporting our local economy on SBS will help pay big dividends to many of our area residents. (For a complete listing of active Chamber members, take a look at the directory, easily found at http://www.glensfallsregion.com/arcc/)
Although I’ve purchased things online, when I want that perfect, special gift, I choose local. While gift cards for area eateries, including Davidson Brothers, Siam Thai Sushi, and Spot Coffee are great for stocking stuffers, I also enjoy purchasing unique items from new local businesses such as the Lake George Distilling Company, and distinctive services from Revitalize Aquadetox. And for that perfect “check-one-off-the-bucket-list” gift, a favorite of mine is to purchase a scenic helicopter tour of the Adirondacks with North Country Heli-flite - a gift that is certain to be remembered.
Small businesses are the future of employment growth, philanthropic and social endeavors, and the building block of good community partners. Dedication to shopping at small businesses on SBS (#shopsmall) will encourage overall holiday sales, stimulate the economy, keep employment stable and build relationships between shop owners and their customers. As Amex says, “Shop for the things you love and for the place that you call home.” Make it a Saturday to remember and Shop Small - Small Business Saturday on November 28, 2015.
Blog post written by Kelli Hatin
Kelli has a MBA, is a Doctoral Candidate, Notary Public, Associate Professor Business at SUNY Adirondack, and a Recipient of Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Teaching in 2012. She also serves as the Hospitality & Tourism Management Program Coordinator-SUNY Adk, Marketing Coordinator for the SUNY Adk Business Division, and SUNY Adk Lacrosse Club Advisor. On top of things through SUNY Adirondack, Kelli is also co-owner of Mixaritas. She lives in Queensbury with husband Chris and two sons, Kody & Kolin and spends free time with family & friends, walking, reading and cooking
