There’s Still Time For Mom & Pops To Participate in Shopping “Holiday”
Independent businesses hoping to bolster holiday sales and deepen customer loyalty are gearing up to participate in Small Business Saturday on November 24th, an American Express campaign to promote mom and pop stores.
Small stores are the lifeblood of Main Street. This one-day campaign reminds consumers that small businesses are vital to the health of local economies. The day is also good fun because it fosters a spirit of community and there are, after all, freebies and bargains to be had.
“It’s important for chambers to support small businesses,”
In North Rockland, the local Chamber of Commerce, the coordinating organization for AMEX’s program known as the “Neighborhood Champion,” has designated more than a handful of businesses to promote Small Business Saturday with signs, stickers, promotional pens and signage. The list includes Fit Body Boot Camp, It’s Coffee Barista, Stony Point Pharmacy, Bel Viso by Kristine, Jewelry Gallery, Lucas Candies and Vilma’s Bakery.
Gift bags, along with complimentary offerings, will be served at Gino’s Bagels in Stony Point and J&B Luncheonette in Haverstraw. At the day’s end, there will be a “thank you” event at a still to be named location for participants.
“It’s important for chambers to support small businesses,” said Tom Ossa, director of North Rockland’s Chamber of Commerce. Ossa ran a bike store until 2007. He said it was hard to sustain the mom and pop because “small retail relies on foot traffic, and there wasn’t enough.”
On average two-thirds of every dollar (67 cents) spent at small businesses in the U.S. stays in the local community. Further, every dollar spent at small businesses creates an additional 50 cents in local business activity as a result of employee spending and businesses purchasing local goods and services, according to the Small Business Economic Impact Study from American Express (NYSE: AXP).
No matter how robust the economy, small businesses are challenged by online retailers, discounters, and malls. AMEX launched Small Business Saturday in 2010 to support local shops that make communities strong. Small Business Saturday picks up on the momentum that begins on Black Friday and continues through Cyber Monday.
In 2011, the U.S. Senate unanimously passed a resolution in support of the day, and the “holiday” is observed across the country.
By 2017, there were more than 7,200 Neighborhood Champions, or business associations, chambers, or nonprofit groups spearheading local efforts.
The Nanuet Chamber will be handing out free coffee and bagels, and Shop Small Saturday bags at Raymour & Flanigan from 8:30 to 11 am. There’s a contest to win a $50 Raymour & Flanigan gift certificate. Merchants have until this Sunday to fill 150 goodie bags with coupons, flyers or bling. To make arrangements, contact: info@nanuetchamber.com.
Retailers in Nyack do not have an official Neighborhood Champion this year but more than a dozen shop owners will be participating independently in the program.
The Greater Suffern Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring a scavenger hunt from noon to four. Teams of hunters will go to shops and restaurants scouting for a list of items to be uploaded on social media. Five teams will win gift cards and baskets.
Retailers in Nyack do not have an official Neighborhood Champion this year but more than a dozen shop owners will be participating independently in the program.
Any merchant that has a relationship with AMEX, can go online and download promotional materials from: www.shopsmall.com. or download a poster here: https://www.americanexpress.com/us/small-business/shop-small/promote?linknav=us-loy-howtoparticipate-explore-shopsmallstudio
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