Shoppers encouraged to buy local for Small Business Saturday

Shoppers encouraged to buy local for Small Business Saturday ST. PAUL, Minn. - Shoppers are encouraged to keep it local this Small Business Saturday. Bruce Nustad with the Minnesota Retailers Association stated that supporting local businesses is crucial for the community's economic growth. Small Business Saturday is a shopping holiday that takes place on the Saturday after Thanksgiving. It was first launched by American Express in 2010, with the goal of encouraging shoppers to support local businesses during the holiday season. According to the 2021 Small Business Saturday Consumer Insights Survey, approximately $12.2 billion was spent nationwide on Small Business Saturday last year. The survey also found that 70% of consumers are aware of the importance of supporting small businesses. Nustad emphasized that buying from local businesses not only helps the local economy, but it also contributes to the community's unique character. He stated, "When you support local businesses, you're investing in your neighborhood and helping to create local jobs." Local businesses play a vital role in our communities. They create jobs, boost the local economy, and often give back to the community through various initiatives. By choosing to shop at small businesses, consumers can make a significant impact on their neighborhoods. To encourage shoppers to buy local, many communities across the country are organizing events and promotions on Small Business Saturday. These activities aim to draw attention to local businesses and incentivize consumers to support them. Social media campaigns, local newspaper advertisements, and community events are some of the ways communities are promoting Small Business Saturday. The goal is to remind consumers about the benefits of shopping locally and the positive impact it has on their communities. In addition to the economic benefits, shopping at local businesses provides a more personalized and unique experience for consumers. Local businesses often carry unique products and offer personalized customer service that sets them apart from larger chains. As the holiday season approaches, many consumers are looking for special and meaningful gifts for their loved ones. Shopping at local businesses provides an opportunity to find one-of-a-kind gifts while supporting the local community. It's important to note that supporting local businesses is not limited to just Small Business Saturday. Consumers can make a conscious effort to shop at small businesses throughout the year. By doing so, they can help strengthen their local economy and create a thriving community. To make it easier for consumers to find local businesses in their area, various online directories and apps have been developed. These platforms help connect consumers with local businesses and highlight the unique products and services they offer. Some communities also have "shop local" initiatives that offer incentives to shoppers who support local businesses. These incentives can range from discounts and rewards to exclusive promotions and giveaways. Small Business Saturday serves as a reminder of the importance of supporting local businesses. By choosing to buy local, consumers can make a positive impact on their communities and contribute to the growth of the local economy. As Small Business Saturday approaches, shoppers are encouraged to consider the impact their purchases can have. By supporting local businesses, consumers can make a difference in their communities and help small businesses thrive. So mark your calendars and join the movement to buy local this Small Business Saturday!