By Laura K
Marketing, Public Relations & Promotions

November 22, 2011

Small Business Saturday

First there was Black Friday, then Cyber Monday.  But now, there’s Small Business Saturday!  Now in it’s second year, Small Business Saturday is gaining traction as the socially conscious way to shop for the holidays.  This year it’s on November 26.

Founded by American Express, Small Business Saturday encourages shopping small and local.  In fact, AmEx is offering an incentive for shoppers to do so.  Visit Small Business Saturday on Facebook for info on registering your American Express Card to receive a one-time $25 credit on your statement for shopping small November 26. 

So Cool and Canoe Antiques at night

In addition, small businesses are encouraged to come up with their own specials, sales and incentives for the day.  Here’s a look at how one small town is embracing Small Business Saturday with open arms.  The Village of Grand Rivers, KY could be called “Small Town USA”.  This charming lake tourist town of just 350 residents was built on small business, so they immediately welcomed the idea of Small Business Saturday as a way to continue to support their local economy.  Here’s a sampling of their Small Business Saturday promotions.  (Bonus:  Stick around after dark and take in Grand Rivers’ 700,000 holiday lights!)

• So Cool Store – 30% to 50% off newly retired Vera Bradley patterns, they will have the limited edition new Pandora bead (only 9 available), and spend $50 and get a coupon toward $10 off your next purchase.
  
  
• Grand Rivers Linen & Towel – 20% off storewide
  
  
• Grand Rivers Antiques – 20% off jewelry
  
  
• Canoe Antiques – discounts on select merchandise
  
  
• Grand Rivers Fudge Factory – Buy 1 lb of fudge, get 1/4 lb free
  
  
• Marty Colburn Photography Gallery – 40% off framed photographs
  
  
  
  

  Marty Colburn Photography Gallery. Photo by Marty Colburn

• Patti’s Settlement: 25% off all Christmas items throughout the settlement, plus
  • Ashleigh’s Boutique – 40% off all clothing
  • The Pink Tractor – 30% off clothing (excludes Pink Tractor logo merchandise)
  • Little Lambs –  40% off all clothing
  • Reflections – 40% off all quilts
    
    
• Green Turtle Bay Ship’s Chandlery – 25% off clothing, accessories and gifts
  
  
• Jade and Earth Spa is spreading the word that they now operate exclusively at Green Turtle Bay Resort and are open to the public.  They’ll have a Holiday Open House from 1-7 pm, with door prizes of $50 and $100 gift cards and a 2 night stay at the resort.  Complimentary refreshments and chair massages, 25% off all in-stock product, and a gift card special of “buy $100 worth, get $20 worth free”.
  
  
  
  

  Jade & Earth Spa at Green Turtle Bay Resort. Photo by Brian Foley

Supporting small businesses while doing your holiday shopping is sure to put you on Santa’s “Nice” list this year.  See you at Small Business Saturday!