Island Retailers Ready to Ring in Holidays with Shop Small Saturday, Nov. 30

Shop Small Saturday. File photo courtesy

Now in its 10th year, Small Business Saturday, known locally as “Shop Small Saturday” is ready to ring in the Holidays with its annual event, strategically positioned between Black Friday and Cyber Monday.  This year’s event takes place on Nov. 30.

Small Business Saturday was started by American Express as a way to draw attention to the multitude of shopping opportunities awaiting consumers along the Main Streets of the nation.

Last year, it brought in a record $17.8 billion in sales to independent retailers and restaurants, according to research conducted by Amex and NFIB.

“I like to think the national success this special day has had is due to its capturing of the Aloha spirit, which we’ve been practicing long before Small Business Saturday was established,” said Melissa Pavlicek, NFIB’s Hawaii state director. “A spirit that has always valued small business and the local shops that gave most of us our first job and remain places where we can come across neighbors, friends, and relatives.”

Pavlicek suggested five simple tips that NFIB members and other small-business owners might use to attract more shoppers and purchasers this holiday season:

• 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 merchandise that would make a great gift. Group items on a table with a sign saying it would be the perfect gift for Mom or a great gift for the grandparents. Restaurants can offer Small Business Saturday specials and gift cards.

• Offer doorbusters. Chain stores know a great way to drive shoppers to their stores is by offering exclusive 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 10 percent on socks next door.

• 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. Create and download free custom marketing materials at https://amex.co/36yU20E.