Thanksgiving is almost here! We all know what that means—tis the season for holiday shopping! We’re all well versed in the details of crazy, morning after Thanksgiving, Black Friday shopping. Likewise,Cyber Monday has picked up speed in the past several years.
However, this year marks the 2nd annual Small Business Saturday and I encourage you to celebrate the day by pledging to shop small. Small Business Saturday, held on November 26, 2011, is a day to support independent business owners, help fuel the economy and invigorate communities across the country. Plus, you could win a $100 shopping spree and more!
Why support Small Business Saturday? Because it just may be the most important shopping day of the year. Why? Because shopping small and shopping local matters more to our economy and to our communities. Shopping local is about Main Street, not Wall Street. It’s about entrepreneurs and families selling things the chains and e-commerce companies don’t.
Small businesses are run by people who live in your community and most of the dollars you spend there stay in your community and help the local economy. We can’t have a strong economy unless our small businesses are doing well. Plus, small local business offer more personalized service than the big chain retailers and a better chance of finding a one-of-a-kind gift. Not to mention, it’s less crowded, you’re not fighting traffic or waiting for a parking spot and the atmosphere is more festive and personal than waiting in a line and feeling like a number. There are other added benefits for shopping at small businesses such as free gift wrapping,
free hemming, and rewards programs.
Think you won’t be able to find something for everyone on your list? Think outside the box. Everyone gets their hair cut. How about gift certificates to a local salon or even a gift certificate for a manicure or a pedicure? Everyone has to eat! Give them gift cards to discover great dining in town such as Scoreboards Pub and Grill or Emerson Creek Pottery and Tea Room (my new favorite place!).
What’s in it for you? Shop at all your favorite stores on Main Street and enter for your chance to win $100 in "Downtown Dollars"! Five winners will be drawn and you can use the "Downtown Dollars" just like cash at any participating store!
While you’re finding the perfect gift you can warm up with a free cup of coffee! Receive a cup from your favorite downtown store and & fill it up at The Village Grind! While you’re there, check out their great selections of unique gift items and pick up a gift certificate for that hard to please person on your list. The Village Grind offers wonderful coffee and treats, not to mention hearty soups and bagels so make sure you stop in to refuel for more shopping!
Small Business Saturday is sponsored by American Expresses and is offering
a one-time $25 statement credit when you register an eligible American Express
Card for a purchase of $25 or more at small business on November 26th.
Registration is limited. Terms and Conditions apply. Make sure you check out
the Oswego Small Business Face Book Page for more details!
We are lucky to have small independent businesses who make Oswego special, so let’s count our blessings and support them. They support our great community and you. So pledge to shop small local businesses on November 26 because if we all shop small, it will be huge!
