This Saturday, November 26, marks the 7th annual Small Business Saturday, an initiative created by American Express in 2010 to encourage shoppers to support local independent businesses. The day celebrates neighborhood retail stores, restaurants, and service businesses like drycleaners and nail salons that generate jobs, strengthen local economies, and maintain vibrant communities across the country. Card Members who enroll an eligible American Express Card can earn 2x rewards when they Shop Small on Small Business Saturday and through December 31.
The Chelsea Chamber of Commerce is serving as Neighborhood Champion for the event this year, promoting Small Business Saturday through a Passport program distributed at 25 participating Downtown businesses.
“fblikebutton_button”
“Get your Passport stamped by six participating businesses and return it to the Chamber, and you’ll be entered to win dozens of gift cards and gift certificates,” said Chamber Executive Director Rich Cuthie. “No purchase is necessary,” he added, “though we hope you’ll support these businesses with purchases. The idea is to get people into local stores and restaurants they’ve never visited. Maybe they’ll think, ‘I’ll come back here with my friends for lunch’ or ‘I’ll come back and buy those candles as Christmas presents.’ Step one is, we want potential customers to see what’s here Downtown.”
The economic impact of Small Business Saturday has been substantial. According to the 2015 Small Business Saturday Consumer Insights Survey, approximately 95 million Americans participated last year, directing an estimated $16.2 billion to independent retailers and restaurants. Research indicates that 68% of spending at local, independent businesses remains in the local economy, compared to 43 percent at larger chain stores.