Five Small Business Tips for “Shop Small” Saturday

Shop Small Saturday. File photo courtesy featuring Pink By Nature – Makawao, Maui

Hawaiʻi’s leading small-business association is spreading the word with its members and other Main Street entrepreneurs to prepare for Small Business Saturday, which takes place on Nov. 24, 2018.

“Small Business Saturday is an important reminder that locally- and independently-owned small businesses are a key driver of our economy,” said Melissa Pavlicek, NFIB’s (National Federation of Independent Business) Hawaiʻi state director. “Small businesses offer unique, locally-produced items that can’t be found elsewhere — event on the internet.”

Last year, US shoppers spent nearly $13 billion at small, independent stores and restaurants the Saturday after Thanksgiving, according to a survey by NFIB and American Express. Ninety percent of consumers surveyed said Small Business Saturday has a positive impact on their communities.

NFIB suggests ways shops and restaurants can make the most of Small Business Saturday:

• Stay on top of your social media. If you’re on Facebook or Twitter or Instagram or Pinterest, post often and promote any Small Business Saturday deals. Use the hashtags #ShopSmall and #SmallBizSat so shoppers can find you easily.
• Showcase the merchandise that would make a great gift. Group items on a table with a sign saying it would be the perfect gift for dad or a great gift for the grandparents. Restaurants can offer Small Business Saturday specials and gift cards.
• Steal a page from the Black Friday playbook and offer doorbusters. Chain stores know a great way to drive shoppers to their stores is by offering special deals at different times of the day. There’s no reason a small business can’t do the same thing.
• Partner with nearby businesses. Pool your resources to buy advertising promoting the neighborhood as a shopping destination or team up with other businesses on in-store promotions. For example, if they buy a pair of shoes here, let them know they can save on socks next door.
• Don’t forget to tell your regular customers about Small Business Saturday. Put a sign in your shop and flyers in bags reminding folks to come back the Saturday after Thanksgiving for special deals. Download free “Shop Small” signs from www.americanexpress.com/us/small-business/shop-small/promote.

NFIB is the state’s leading small-business association. To learn more, visit www.nfib.com/HI.