Following the hustle and bustle of Black Friday and Cyber Monday, another major shopping event worth noting is Small Business Saturday. Every year, on the Friday after Thanksgiving, retailers worldwide entice shoppers with significant discounts and deals on Black Friday. Its popularity has led to companies extending the event to a week-long extravaganza, with Cyber Monday marking the end of the shopping spree. While these events cater to large enterprises and bargain hunters, local businesses and independent shops often find themselves overshadowed. Given the current economic climate, marked by rising costs of living, energy crises, and high inflation, combined with the lingering effects of the pandemic, Small Business Saturday holds more significance than ever.
In contrast to the mass consumerism associated with Black Friday, Small Business Saturday serves as a grassroots, non-commercial campaign dedicated to supporting small businesses across the UK. It encourages consumers to shop locally at independent stores, fostering a sense of community and economic resilience. The event takes place on the first Saturday of December, which falls on December 2 this year. American Express initiated this marketing initiative in the US in 2010, and it has since gained traction in the UK.
Small Business Saturday UK, in collaboration with BT Skills for Tomorrow, has been touring the UK, hosting events in 23 towns to celebrate and support small businesses. The final in-person gathering before Small Business Saturday takes place today, November 29, in Richmond Park, London, from 10 am to 4 pm. The most impactful way for shoppers to participate is by supporting small businesses on Saturday and beyond the designated retail celebration. Small Business Saturday UK has also created a valuable tool, the ‘Small Business Finder,’ which helps people locate small businesses in their vicinity. This tool provides a comprehensive list of nearby small businesses, along with their contact and social media information.
By embracing Small Business Saturday, consumers can make a meaningful contribution to their local communities and support the backbone of the UK economy – small businesses. It’s an opportunity to foster a sense of community, promote economic resilience, and ensure that these businesses continue to thrive amidst the challenges they face.
