Small Business Saturday is an important day for local businesses and neighborhoods across the country. While Black Friday may be the more well-known shopping event, Small Business Saturday offers a unique opportunity to support small, independent businesses in your community. This year, Small Business Saturday falls on November 30th, 2024, and it’s a great time to start your holiday shopping while also giving back to your local economy.
Initially launched by American Express in 2010, Small Business Saturday has gained recognition and support over the years. In 2011, the Senate passed a resolution officially recognizing the Saturday after Thanksgiving as Small Business Saturday. This day encourages consumers to shop at the 33 million independent businesses that exist in the U.S., helping to boost local economies and support small business owners.
One of the challenges of shopping small is finding local businesses to support. However, technology has made it easier than ever to locate and shop at small businesses in your area. Google has introduced a small business filter for search and maps, allowing shoppers to find products offered online by local retailers that identify as small businesses. This feature makes it simple to support small businesses while shopping online.
Amazon has also made it easier to find and support small stores with their Amazon Support Small filter. This filter allows buyers to browse through a variety of small businesses on the site, with options to search specific categories or support specific communities like Black-owned or LGBTQ+ owned stores. This feature makes it convenient to shop small while taking advantage of the wide selection and convenience of Amazon.
Etsy is another popular platform known for its array of small businesses to choose from. With a variety of products ranging from décor to handmade clothing, Etsy is a community of independent sellers where you can always find unique and handmade items. Their search bar makes it easy to find exactly what you’re looking for, and their holiday guides and gift finder page offer curated selections for every gift-giving occasion.
Supporting small businesses on Small Business Saturday is not only a great way to find unique gifts for your loved ones, but it also helps to support your local economy and community. By shopping small, you are making a direct impact on the businesses and families in your neighborhood. So this Small Business Saturday, consider shopping at local stores, browsing online platforms like Google, Amazon, and Etsy, and making a difference in your community through your holiday shopping.
