What is Small Business Saturday (SBS)? || BONUS: 6 Ways to Make Your Brand Shine on SBS

What is Small Business Saturday (SBS)?

Thanksgiving is this week, which means the big box stores are expecting a massive surge in sales this Friday. Consumers are anxiously awaiting the day, monitoring the latest discounts and wondering what Black Friday will look like in the midst of COVID-19.

The tradition of Black Friday may be fun and exciting, but do you know what feels even better than scoring a deal from a big box store? Shopping small.

According to the SBA, small businesses make up more than 99% of all businesses in the U.S. and employ 47.5% of the country’s workers. Small businesses fuel their local economies, nurture and engage communities, and provide employment and opportunity for community members.

Supporting small is always important, but especially in 2020. It’s been a difficult year for small business owners. They have had to pivot and adapt to chaotic conditions, like the COVID-19 health crisis and political/economic uncertainty, all while looking out for the health and safety of their employees, their customers, and their households.

Thankfully, by shopping small, you can contribute to their bottom line while checking items off your holiday shopping list.

Small Business Saturday is a fairly new holiday. It takes place the Saturday following Thanksgiving— the day after Black Friday and a couple of days before Cyber Monday.

Show your support for the small businesses that make your community vibrant and healthy by shopping small this Saturday. You’ll be glad you did.

6 Ways to Make Your Brand Shine on SBS

We’ve compiled a list of 6 ways for you to monetize on Small Business Saturday:

1. Post your Small Business Saturday specials/discounts on social media, and send an email to your email list (if applicable).
2. If your business is brick and mortar, consider extending your hours for the day to allow customers more time to drop in.
3. Incentivize shoppers with a giveaway or raffle.
4. Join forces with other small businesses in your area to broaden your scope.
5. Support a local charity or cause by donating a percentage of your Small Business Saturday sales. (Two birds with one stone for your customers!)
6. Meet your customers where they are and take advantage of online shopping/delivery opportunities.

Take advantage of this new holiday tradition and look into other fun promotion strategies. Every business owner could use a little boost at the end of the year — especially in 2020!