Small Business Saturday is an American shopping holiday observed the Saturday following Thanksgiving Day, which promotes shopping small and shopping local.
Loveland shops, restaurants and coffee shops are participating in Small Business Saturday by encouraging customers to shop and dine at establishments that are independently owned. This is a day to forego the big box stores and corporate chain stores.
Many downtown businesses will be extending their hours to 10 a.m. – 9 p.m. on November 25th. There will be various giveaways such as pens, stickers and tote bags. They also will be providing refreshments, discounts and specials that day to help shoppers save on their holiday spending. Check with the Loveland Downtown Partnership/Downtown Development Authority for further details of what local businesses will be offering that day.
Nationwide, Small Business Saturday and the Shop Small Movement urges shoppers to head to small, locally owned brick-and-mortar shops instead of going online or shopping big box retail during one of the busiest shopping days of the year. This helps keep spending local, resulting in retaining tax dollars within communities. Let’s hope that this year’s Small Business Saturday sales will top the $15.4 billion in sales that were generated last year.
American Express helped sponsor the first shopping holiday in 2010 as a counterpart to Black Friday and Cyber Monday. To help promote the day, hashtags such as #shopsmall, #smallbusinesssaturday and #smallbizsaturday are being used on social media. Shop Small is about more than just shopping at small businesses but is a cause to support your local economy.
The LDP|DDA is here to help you promote the holiday. We have some great swag direct from American Express at our downtown location, 350 N. Cleveland Ave. We have event banners, posters, tent cards, pendants, balloons and welcome mats that you can display at your business. For your customers, you can give out canvas bags, stickers, buttons, pens and pet handkerchiefs. After the fact, we have Thank You cards you can send to your customers to show your appreciation for stopping in and supporting local business.
You can also visit the Small Business Saturday website at americanexpress.com/us/small-business/shop-small/ to get customizable marketing materials, email templates, online banner ads and a listing in the Shop Small Map from the Shop Small Studio. Inspire your social media followers to get involved by posting, and inviting them to post, photos and videos about Small Business Saturday.
We encourage you to decorate your business with Small Business Saturday and Shop Small items, and capture the fun with photos and videos. Don’t forget to let the LPD/DDA know about your events, discounts and offers, so we can help you promote the excitement surrounding Small Business Saturday. Come get your swag, and support downtown Loveland as a vibrant place to shop and do business.
