DELMAR– The race for a profitable holiday season starts this Saturday, as local merchants open the doors on what the U.S. Small Business Administration continues to call Small Business Saturday.
Administrator Isabella Casillas Guzman called on Americans last week to “Shop Small” throughout this holiday season and on Saturday, Nov. 26.
“As our economy continues to stabilize, it’s more important than ever that consumers shop and dine small during the holiday shopping season,” said Administrator Guzman. “We continue to see positive impacts and opportunities for our small business owners through President Biden’s economic agenda, and Small Business Saturday is another chance for us to further strengthen America’s entrepreneurs with our local and online spending and promotion.”
Small Business Saturday, founded by American Express, is a day dedicated to supporting the diverse range of local businesses that create jobs, help boost the economy, and enhance neighborhoods around the country.
According to American Express, the projected total reported spending among U.S. consumers who shopped at independent retailers and restaurants on Small Business Saturday last year hit a record high with an estimated $23.3 billion. The SBA has cosponsored Small Business Saturday since 2011, and the Agency continues to help entrepreneurs leverage new opportunities with the 13th annual Small Business Saturday.
Small Business Saturday organizers estimate that 67 cents of every dollar spent in a small business stays in the local community, and that small businesses donate 250 percent more than larger businesses to local nonprofits and community causes.
“This year, we know that small businesses need our support now more than ever as they navigate, retool and pivot from the effects of the coronavirus pandemic,” the Capital Region Chamber shared in a social media post urging followers to shop local. “Where will you be shopping on Small Business Saturday?”
Stuyvesant Plaza announced plans last week to launch the holiday shopping season with a slate of Small Business Saturday specials from more than 60 of its shops, services and dining destinations.
“Pearl Grant Richmans is very happy to participate in Small Business Saturday,” said Barry Richman, owner of Pearl Grant Richmans. “Through our customers’ support, we are able to continue to offer a superior shopping experience while giving back to the local community with charitable contributions like those we’ve been making to the Empire State Youth Orchestra and the Albany Symphony for more than 63 years. As a small business, we welcome the opportunity to serve the Capital Region.”
The Bethlehem Chamber of Commerce is helping kick off the holiday season by pairing at least 22 of its members with the Toys for Tots campaign. In Elsmere, Santa and Mrs. Claus is anticipated to arrive at Delaware Plaza for an organized toy drive coinciding with the charity event’s 75th anniversary.
“Remember stop by our Toys for Tots drive on Small Business Saturday, Nov. 26 in the Delaware Plaza, and bring a new, unwrapped toy to help fill the trailer, and bring smiles to children’s faces this year,” the chamber shared in an online statement.
The Biden-Harris Administration has been aggressive in laying the foundation for small business growth through the American Rescue Plan and the equitable implementation of SBA economic relief programs. Thanks to President Biden’s economic leadership, we saw a record number of Americans apply to start nearly 8.5 million new businesses – higher than any similar period on record.
“Small businesses are the foundation of our economy – half of America’s workers either own or work for a small business,” said Region II Regional Administrator Marlene Cintron, who oversees the federal agency’s operations in New York, New Jersey, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. “Small Business Saturday is an opportunity to underscore our support for our local businesses who throughout the year are providing our communities with items that are unique and special to our local economy.”
The American Express 2021 Small Business Saturday Consumer Insights Survey was conducted by Teneo on behalf of American Express. The study is a nationally representative sample of 2,426 U.S. adults 18 years of age or older. The sample was collected using an email invitation and an online survey. The study gathered self-reported data and does not reflect actual receipts or sales. It was conducted anonymously last November. Projections are based on the current U.S. Census estimates of the U.S. adult population, ages 18 years and over.
To learn more about Small Business Saturday, visit www.sba.gov/saturday.