Maui’s “Shop Small Saturday” Urges Buying Local for the Holidays

November 14, 2016, 4:54 PM HST
* Updated November 14, 4:57 PM

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Maui small businesses are unifying to offer promotions and sales on Small Business Saturday, a day that will be observed on Nov. 26, 2016. Falling between Black Friday and Cyber Monday, the event is a national initiative that was established in 2010 to encourage shoppers to support small retailers during the holiday season.

Maui Mayor Alan Arakawa issued a proclamation in support of the “Shop Local Event” saying, “If you buy small, our economy wins big. So make sure you support small businesses, because by doing so you also support our neighbors, friends and families, as well as keep our local dollars circulating right here in Maui County.”

Small Business Saturday comes from a national initiative by American Express intended to encourage shoppers to support small retailers. Event organizers say each dollar spent at independent businesses returns roughly three times more money to the local economy than one spent at a chains store.

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This year, the County of Maui, Office of Economic Development has launched an inaugural promotional effort to increase marketing and awareness of small businesses in Maui County.

Maui organizers say small business owners are excited to have a cohesive marketing effort and have jumped at the opportunity for free advertising and viral marketing.

“In a world that seemingly continues to limit us in making our own decisions … where and how you spend your money is still ones own, said Malia Vandercoort, owner of Pearl Butik in Pāʻia Town. “You can make a real difference in your community by supporting local small businesses. They are the spirit of the community and the economic spine,” she said.

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Island retailers participating in Small Business Saturday will be offering various discounts and giveaways. Here’s some ways to participate:

If you’re an American Express cardholder, register your card here: https://www.americanexpress.com to receive 2X the rewards now through Dec. 31, 2016.
Follow @shopsmallmaui on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter to see the deals, promotions and special events happening on Nov. 26, 2016.
On Small Business Saturday, post a photo of you shopping small and hashtag #shopmaui, #shopsmallmaui and #shopsmall for your chance to win a goodie bag of local products and gift certificates from your favorite local stores. Prizes include a $500 gift certificate to Peter Lik Gallery, a gift basket from Native Intelligence, a hat from Pome Maui, and more.
If you’re a merchant and want to be included in promotions, send an email to [email protected] and be sure to register your business at shopsmall.com.