Mountain Secrets Blog

Every year, American Express helps small businesses promote shopping locally on Small Business Saturday^®, the movement they started in 2010. Now, 10 years later, small businesses face one of the greatest challenges ever: a worldwide pandemic that has seen millions of Americans lose their jobs, countless small businesses close, and many more struggle to keep going. According to the Amex-commissioned 2018 Small Business Economic Impact Study, 62% of U.S. small businesses reported that they need to see consumer spending return to pre-COVID levels by the end of 2020 in order to stay in business. When you Shop Small^® this holiday season – and all year long – you can help create a big impact.

The Beginning: "It's 2010, and small businesses are hurting from an economy in recession. In an effort to support local shops that make our communities strong,  American Express launches Small Business Saturday^® on the Saturday after Thanksgiving — to encourage people to Shop Small and bring more holiday shopping to small businesses. 

One year later, the Shop Small Movement gains momentum, as local officials across the nation take notice and promote Small Business Saturday. In 2011, the Senate unanimously passes a resolution in support of the day. By 2012, officials in all 50 states participate. 

By 2017, there were more than 7,200 Neighborhood Champions across all 50 states... [with] an estimated 108 million consumers reported shopping or dining at local independently-owned businesses on Small Business Saturday — generating roughly $12 billion in reported spending."
Small Business Saturday History

Why buy local? According to a report by Michigan State University, "It means nurturing locally owned businesses which use local resources sustainably, employ local workers at decent wages and serve primarily local consumers. It means becoming more self-sufficient and less dependent on imports. Control moves from the boardrooms of distant corporations and back into the community where it belongs."

Small Business Saturday is a great time to promote not only your own business, but that of your fellow businesses in the area as well! Did you know that you can create your own custom "Shop Small" graphics? It takes a little finagling if you have a longer business name, but you can go through and try several iterations if you don't quite like what you get back. There's no charge, and they'll send some generic graphics as well as Tip Sheets for how best to use these marketing materials! You'll get a Facebook cover photo, Profile Pic, an email header, and other ready-to-use graphics. Give it a try!

It's all at this link here: https://www.americanexpress.com/us/small-business/shop-small/promote

Learn more about Small Business Saturday here: https://www.americanexpress.com/us/small-business/shop-small/