What is Small Business Saturday and why it is so important for small retailers
While the focus during the Christmas season is often on big sales events like Black Friday or Cyber Monday, there is a special initiative that specifically benefits small retail businesses: Small Business Saturday . This day, which is celebrated in the USA on the Saturday after Thanksgiving, has also become established in many other countries. But what exactly is behind this day, and why is it so important for small businesses?
What is Small Business Saturday?
Small Business Saturday was launched in 2010 by American Express to support local businesses and remind consumers of the value of small businesses to the economy and communities. The day is designed to encourage customers to shop consciously at small, local, owner-operated stores rather than just focusing on large chains or online giants.
Small Business Saturday takes place on the Saturday after Black Friday, a day that traditionally marks the start of the big Christmas shopping season. While Black Friday often sees the biggest discount battles in large department stores and online shops, Small Business Saturday offers an opportunity to consciously support the "small shop around the corner". Like us, for example!
Why is Small Business Saturday good for small retailers?
Promote the local economy:
Small businesses are the backbone of many local economies. By shopping at them, you are not only supporting the business itself, but also the local economy. Studies show that much of the money spent in small shops stays in the area - whether through employee wages, taxes or local investment. This means that the entire community benefits from this money.
Uniqueness and diversity:
Small retailers often offer products that you cannot find in large chains. Whether it is a special personal selection, handmade products, local specialties or services with a personal touch - small shops help to maintain the diversity and uniqueness of the local shopping landscape. Small Business Saturday reminds us that this diversity can only be maintained if we actively support it. Without the support of the local population, such shops often fall victim to large chains or competitors because they simply cannot compete with the price or offers and still remain economically viable.
Personal advice, customer service and “community”:
One of the greatest advantages of small businesses is personal customer service. Owners and employees know the products and often their customers personally, sometimes for years, sometimes even several generations of the same family. They offer advice that addresses the individual needs of shoppers, making shopping a pleasant and tailored experience. Small Business Saturday gives customers the opportunity to experience, appreciate and encourage this personal touch.
Sustainability:
Many small retail businesses focus on sustainability, whether through locally produced goods, avoiding unnecessary packaging, short delivery routes or generous repairs, returns or exchange options that large retailers simply do not offer. Those who shop locally often also save on the ecological footprint caused by large international supply chains. Small Business Saturday is a perfect opportunity to shop more consciously and sustainably.
Strengthening the community:
Shopping in small, local shops promotes a sense of community. Often it is precisely these companies that support local or social projects, plan events or even organize entire events by joining forces. Many of these small shops have been in the same place for years, even decades, and know how their district is developing and work with citizens and residents to ensure the vitality or necessary changes in their neighborhood. By supporting small businesses on Small Business Saturday, you are also strengthening the social structure of your community.
How can consumers and retailers make the most of the day?
For consumers, Small Business Saturday is a wonderful opportunity to consciously look for alternatives to large online retailers and chains.
Everyone knows the benefits and conveniences of online giants, but sometimes the online offering can be overwhelming. It's never wrong to know that there are alternatives on your doorstep that may not be quite as convenient or quite as (suspiciously) cheap, but have a human connection behind them that you can interact with. Strolling down the local high street, discovering new, creative shops or simply buying Christmas presents from a small business are easy ways to do your part.
Large shopping streets with large chain stores are practical and often necessary, but we know from our own experience that these are often not the places, areas or neighborhoods where we feel comfortable and enjoy exploring. On vacation or at home, we are often drawn to quaint, cozy and diverse neighborhoods, with winding streets, seating areas, owner-run cafes, pubs and even small local shops that attract us with their own selection and curation.
Just as we love and appreciate the advantages of these neighborhoods in Copenhagen, Paris, New York and Tokyo, we love them just as much here in Altona. A lively Ottensen is mixed, colorful, diverse and has a wide selection of specialty small shops that always invite you to stop by, explore, get in touch with the owners and employees, as well as neighbors, etc. and exchange ideas. The endless selection on the Internet is great, but can seem overwhelming. A good relationship with a well-curated, local retailer that you trust is all the more important and useful.
We find:
Small Business Saturday is more than just another day of sales - it's an important reminder of how valuable small businesses are to our communities and our economy. Of course, we don't want to miss out on online shopping either. But by supporting small, owner-operated shops, we help to secure the places where people work who share our interest in fashion and are an active part of the fashion landscape, thus maintaining and shaping a strong sense of community and the character of our neighborhood. Before you know it, you'll only have the choice between online giants, chain bakeries and drugstore chains, and there are certainly better shopping experiences. So support your local retailer and shop locally on Small Business Saturday!
