Each year, on the Saturday after Thanksgiving, communities across the country come together for Small Business Saturday—a day dedicated to celebrating and supporting the local shops that give our neighborhoods character, personality, and heart. While Black Friday and Cyber Monday often steal the spotlight, Small Business Saturday delivers something even more meaningful: a chance to shop small and win big by investing in the businesses that invest in you.
Whether you're a seasoned small-business supporter or shopping local for the first time, this guide will help you make the most of the day.
Why Shopping Small Matters
Small businesses don’t just sell products—they help shape the culture and character of a community. When you choose to shop locally, you’re supporting the people who live and work alongside you. Your purchases help local families, entrepreneurs, and artisans thrive, keeping your dollars circulating close to home where they make the biggest difference.
Shopping small also means discovering unique and meaningful gifts. Instead of mass-produced items, local shops offer handcrafted goods, curated collections, and one-of-a-kind finds you won’t see anywhere else. These thoughtful products often come with stories behind them, adding a personal touch to every gift you give.
Beyond the charm, shopping small boosts the local economy. A significant portion of every dollar spent at a small business goes right back into the community through jobs, services, and local investments. And perhaps one of the most rewarding benefits is the service you receive. Small-business owners know their customers, care about their experiences, and strive to offer personalized, memorable interactions that big retailers simply can’t match.
How to Make the Most of Small Business Saturday
Whether you're shopping for holiday gifts or simply exploring your neighborhood, there are plenty of ways to make the most of Small Business Saturday. Start by planning your route—check local event pages, downtown associations, or social media to see which shops are offering special deals, pop-up events, or holiday activities. A little preparation can help you hit all the spots you don’t want to miss.
As you shop, be intentional. Think ahead about upcoming birthdays, holidays, or celebrations so you can find thoughtful, meaningful gifts that small shops are known for. These businesses often carry items you won’t find online or in big stores, making your purchases feel even more special. And while you’re out and about, don’t forget to share your experience. Posting your favorite finds and tagging local businesses with #ShopSmall can give them valuable exposure and help more shoppers discover them.
Small Business Saturday is also a great time to take advantage of special promotions. Many shops offer exclusive discounts, gift bundles, giveaways, or loyalty rewards to celebrate the day. Finally, take a moment to connect with the owners. Ask questions, learn the stories behind the products, and build relationships. Small-business owners love engaging with their customers, and those conversations often make your shopping experience even more meaningful.
Ways to Support Small Businesses (Even If You’re Not Shopping)
Supporting local businesses doesn’t always require spending money—there are plenty of meaningful ways to make a difference. You can leave positive reviews online, share posts or tag your favorite shops on social media, and recommend them to friends. Signing up for newsletters helps you stay connected, and attending local markets or community events shows your support in person. Even these small actions can have a big impact on the success and visibility of small businesses.
Make This Small Business Saturday Count
Small Business Saturday is more than a once-a-year event, it’s a reminder of why local shops matter and how much richer our communities are because of them. When you choose to shop small, you’re choosing to support creativity, craftsmanship, and community. So this year, shop small, win big, and celebrate the businesses that make your town feel like home!
Happy Holidays!!!