Black Friday might not have the impact it once did as chain stores and online retailers launch their holiday sales earlier and earlier in the season, but Small Business Saturday
Small Business Saturday is the Saturday after Thanksgiving. This year, it’s on Nov. 26.
Last year, spending at independent retailers and restaurants on Small Business Saturday reached an estimated $23.3 billion, up 18% from $19.8 billion the year before and a substantial increase from the $19.6 billion spent in 2019, according to a survey by American Express and the National Federation of Independent Business.
Here are some simple tips to make the most of Small Business Saturday:
- Stay on top of your social media. If you’re on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, or Pinterest, post often and promote any Small Business Saturday
deals. Use the hashtags #ShopSmall and #SmallBizSat so shoppers can find you easily. - Showcase merchandise that would make a great gift. Group items on a table with a sign saying it would be the perfect gift for Mom or the grandparents, for example. Restaurants can offer Small Business Saturday
specials and gift cards. - Offer doorbusters. Chain stores know a great way to drive shoppers to their stores is by offering exclusive deals at different times of the day. There’s no reason small businesses can’t do the same thing.
- Partner with nearby businesses. Pool your resources to buy advertising promoting the neighborhood as a shopping destination or team up with other merchants on in-store promotions. For example, if someone buys an antique clock at your shop, remind them to grab lunch or dinner at the pizza shop down the street.
- Don’t forget to tell your regular customers about Small Business Saturday. Put a sign in your shop and flyers in bags reminding folks to come back the Saturday after Thanksgiving for exclusive deals.
