Small Business Saturday is a shopping holiday held each year on the Saturday after Thanksgiving. American Express launched the campaign in 2010 to rally support and dollars for small business owners in the holiday shopping rush. The day has been steadily increasing in popularity as an alternative to the chaos of Black Friday and Cyber Monday, which typically support major retail companies.
Small Business Saturday’s “Shop Small” message encourages consumers to engage in their local communities by supporting the small business economy. This is promoted by all types of local businesses — restaurants, cafes, spas, retail shops, entrepreneurs, community artists, etc. — making it an exciting day for all who participate.
Why shop small?
Small businesses are essential for healthy local economies, so when you shop small and local you are supporting your own community. In Rhode Island, small business make up 98% of registered businesses and provide jobs to 57% of all people who are employed in the state.