I worked a decade in retail and I know that as much as the last Thursday in November is about eating turkey with loved ones, the Friday after is about getting the best deals on holiday gifts. The malls are packed, the roads clogged, people frantic for a crazy price on a flatscreen or that last pair of clearance booties.
America needs another tradition this weekend, and since 2010 today has been deemed Small Business Saturday. Though Small Business Saturday was created by American Express, it has grown beyond their brand. No matter your form of payment, Small Business Saturday is a day to support those businesses in your backyard, explore local artisans, and shop small. Be it the boutique down the street, your independent grocery store, or visiting Etsy to score a unique holiday gift, I hope you will support Small Business Saturday today and #ShopSmall.
Sometimes you just have to hit the big box retailer or mega-website for your purchases, but often you can find just as good or better of an item at an independent or small retailer. Not only that, but when you shop local, you keep your money in your neighborhood; your money does more than purchase a bracelet or cup of coffee.
Are you supporting Small Business Saturday? Share the website or social media channel of your favorite small business in the comments and your favorite small business may become the favorite of another!
I bought a silk skirt from JustMadras.com and got my prep on.
I was traveling on Saturday, but the *only* thing that I purchased on Black Friday was a Cheese Columbo sub from Coppola’s, a tiny Italian deli in Richmond, VA where I worked in 1990/1991 during my freshman year of college at VCU. I saw plenty of people out and about in Carytown supporting small businesses & was very glad~yay for individuality and avoiding Mall Hell!
I shopped at The Village Toy Shop on Saturday in New Hartford. Not only did I avoid Toys R Us, which I hate, but they wrapped my gifts! This is the second season that I did Small Business Saturday and I am delighted to support our local merchants. I bought quality products from local stores and enjoyed the experience immensely.
Love your blog, it is a regular weekly visit for me. Thank you for supporting Small Business! As the owner of an Etsy shop I appreciate it! 🙂 https://www.etsy.com/shop/NostalgicSummer?ref=si_shop
Zoe Boutique in Old Town and Covet in Arlington are my hands-down faves. We did a round up of local shops to shop small for Black Friday and Small Business Saturday: http://thestylelobby.com/2013/11/27/shop-local-black-friday/ — I hit a few yesterday and will do at least one or two more today. (Though I confess to an amazon purchase in there, too!)