Small Business Saturday is November 26, 2011! The 2nd annual Small Business Saturday is a day dedicated to supporting small businesses on one of the busiest shopping weekends of the year. This day is a shout-out to the mom-and-pop shops that make up the bulk of the business in this country.Started last Thanksgiving by American Express, Small Business Saturday falls on November 26th, between Black Friday and Cyber Monday. This is your chance to show shoppers that bigger isn’t necessarily better and that shopping in-store can be more compelling than buying online. Here are some things that you can do to call attention to this dynamic day and to bring some of the big-box business through your door.
- Put in more than your 2 cents. 68 cents of every dollar spent at a neighborhood store stays in the community. Did you know that? The money spent online gets dispersed elsewhere and that doesn’t benefit your neighborhood. Celebrate the local shoppers by giving a prize to the 68th person who walks through your door on November 26th. Make an event of it, take photos, pop some sparkling cider!
- Get the word out! Hang posters promoting Small Business Saturday in your window. Post about it on your Facebook page, Tweet about it, send out emails and invitations to your customers. Let them know that shopping locally helps the community by keeping the money local. Check out the Small Business Saturday page for window signage, e-marketing material, free ads and information about American Express’ $25 statement credit offer (for registered Card members and stores that accept AmEx).
- Be there or be square. Make your hours super accommodating on Small Business Saturday. Open a little early, stay a little late or both. Offer early bird specials or small gifts to the first 10 or so customers.
- Party like it’s…um, 2011. Lend a fun, festive atmosphere to this day! Offer little snacks like brownie bites, veggie sticks and punch. Get your decorations up and put on your party hat! Smile! It’s contagious!
After the event, make sure you post pictures online and in the store, and send out an email “thank you” with photos and highlights of the day. Let everyone know that you appreciate their business not only on Small Business Saturday, but every day of the year. And make sure they save the date for next year’s Small Business Saturday because now that you’ve got one under your belt, you’ll know how to make it even better next year!