Small Business Saturday is November 30th this year
Boston, Nov. 25, 2019 – Small Business Saturday is this weekend, a time when people in towns across Massachusetts shop at locally-owned stores and restaurants to show their support for those hometown businesses. Special events and sales are planned on many Main Streets. It’s a boost for the small business owner at the beginning of the holiday shopping season.
“When consumers shop locally, their hard-earned money serves as an investment in their own communities,” said NFIB State Director in Massachusetts, Christopher Carlozzi. “Every dollar spent at local businesses is one more dollar towards that first job for a neighborhood teenager, a part-time job for a mom while her kids are in school, or one for a senior citizen looking to make extra money during the holidays.”
American Express launched Small Business Saturday after the 2009 recession when many small businesses were struggling. Now in its 10th year, the day has become a national celebration and an opportunity for people to support the small, independent businesses that make their communities strong.
Last year, shoppers spent a record $17.8 billion at independent stores and restaurants on the Saturday after Thanksgiving, according to research by American Express and NFIB, the nation’s leading small business advocacy organization.
“Small businesses are known for their excellent customer service and ability to meet the customer’s needs,” added Carlozzi. “In many instances, you may be interacting directly with the owner who will go out of their way to provide service to ensure repeat business.”
Here is a list of reasons people may want to spend their hard-earned dollars at a small local business:
- Small businesses hire about half of all workers in every state, and they employ local people like your friends and neighbors.
- The dollars spent at small businesses are then spent by the owner and employees near to where they live, enriching your community.
- Local business owners often support neighborhood teams and charities with donations.
- You will find unique items for sale, or products particular to your area such as local artisan wares, locally sourced food items, or local sports team insignias on clothing.
- Shoppers get to know the people who make your community work and enjoy the experience. Not only that, you are likely to feel good about supporting local merchants.
“Operating a small business in Massachusetts is no easy task,” said Carlozzi. “Labor mandates, high operating costs, and ever-increasing levels of government red-tape can make it difficult to survive. And yet, in the face of adversity, entrepreneurs persevere. This is a chance for Massachusetts residents to not only shop locally for a day but frequent these wonderful small businesses all year long.”
Consider visiting your local coffee shop, hair salon or barber, pet groomer, boutique clothing shop, candy store, and more on Small Business Saturday.
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