A new survey shows that a record number of consumers are aware of Small Business Saturday—and are planning on spending more at local shops. Here’s how to make the most out of this opportunity.
This year’s Small Business Saturday is predicted to be the largest one yet. In fact, a whopping 77 percent of U.S. consumers are planning to shop on Nov. 28, according to the Small Business Saturday Consumer Insights Survey, conducted by NFIB and American Express.
“Small Business Saturday is a major part of the holiday shopping tradition, and has become a celebration of the local small business owners that we call friends, neighbors and family,” said Janey Whiteside, senior vice president and general manager of American Express Open in an interview with Yahoo Finance.
GET ON THE MAP: Spread the word that you’ll be a part of Small Business Saturday here.
Here are the key findings of the 2015 Small Business Saturday survey:
1. People are eager to shop small.
The survey shows that 80 percent of consumers are “willing to pay slightly more for an item if it is purchased from a small, independently owned retailer as opposed to online or at a large retailer.”
One of the best ways for small businesses to reach new customers is to update your online presence and join the social conversation among other small businesses in the area, Fox News reported.
RELATED: 3 Ideas for Promoting Your Business on Small Business Saturday
2. They also plan to spend more.
Forty-five percent of consumers who expect to shop on Small Business Saturday plan to spend more this year than they spent last year. How can your small business take advantage of this? Increase consumer loyalty with rewards programs and plan events to keep your consumers coming back for more.
3. Act charitable—and you’ll be rewarded.
Sixty-four percent of consumers who plan to shop on Small Business Saturday are motivated by the contributions that small businesses make to their community. Small businesses owners are “among the most generous supporters of civic groups, local charities, youth sports, schools and virtually every other form of community activity,” Cincinnati.com reported.
Your small business should be an active part of the community. Consumers are more likely to know a small business owner and therefore will most likely feel more inclined to support their business.
INFOGRAPHIC: 5 Ways to Promote Your Business on Small Business Saturday
