Small Business Saturday is Nov. 28, and the National Federation of Independent Business is encouraging people to support small businesses in a variety of ways on Small Business Saturday and beyond.
Those who prefer not to go out shopping can find many products from local businesses online, as well as through home delivery or curbside pickup. A small business owner is much more likely to be available by phone if customers have questions. Showing support for local businesses on Small Business Saturday and throughout 2021 will help business owners get past the recent economic downturn. That will help keep communities vibrant, the NFIB said.
“Browse nationally, but shop locally to help Maine’s thousands of small businesses survive the current economic hardship,” said Maine’s NFIB State Director David Clough. “Small shops, restaurants and other local businesses the source of jobs for your neighbors, donations for your local youth events and charity drives, and pride for your community. Your purchase at these small companies keeps your money working locally for a strong Maine economy.”
Small Business Saturday has been held the weekend after Thanksgiving since it was created 11 years ago by American Express following the 2009 recession. The idea was if consumers could be encouraged to “shop small” and support local businesses it would lead back to a healthy economy.
The event has gained in popularity and last year, sales on Small Business Saturday reached a record $9.6 billion, according to the Small Business Saturday Consumer Insights Survey conducted by American Express and NFIB. Research commissioned by American Express shows that each dollar spent creates another 50 cents of local business activity as a result of employee spending and a business purchasing local goods.
