By: De’Jah Seabrooks, Follow South Jersey Intern
SOUTH JERSEY – On Small Business Saturday, consumers are encouraged to shop at local businesses, such as boutiques, restaurants, and artisan shops according to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
These businesses often offer unique products and services that cannot be found at larger chain stores. By shopping small, consumers help to strengthen their local economies and create jobs. This annual event, which falls on the Saturday after Thanksgiving, encourages shoppers to patronize small businesses instead of big-box retailers.
American Express launched Small Business Saturday in 2010 as a way to help small businesses recover from the Great Recession of 2008 and gain exposure during the busy holiday shopping season according to American Express. The initiative quickly gained traction, with support from government officials and community leaders.
Small Business Saturday has become increasingly popular across the United States, and New Jersey and South Jersey are no exception. Many communities in these regions organize special events and promotions to celebrate the day. Local businesses often offer discounts, giveaways, and other incentives to attract customers.
In New Jersey Small Business Saturday has become a significant economic driver. It helps to revitalize downtowns, create jobs, and foster a sense of community. By supporting local businesses, residents can help to ensure the long-term health and prosperity of their communities. According to NJ South Orange is holding a Small Business Street Fair Saturday through Sunday 10 a.m.- 4 p.m.. This fair will allow online vendors as well as store owners to have their own localized pop up shop so consumers can find them as easily as they would the name brand stores.
This tradition is extremely popular in South Jersey as well. Some places in Woodbury are holding similar pop up shops for small businesses to gather and market their products to the public on Saturday from 11am-3pm according to eventbrite. There are also a plethora of vendors and shops that have banded together on the instagram community South Jersey Neighbors , to promote small business that are being featured in the area.
Small Business Saturday is a valuable initiative that promotes economic growth and community development. By shopping small, consumers can make a positive impact on their local economies and help to ensure the success of small businesses for years to come.
- Ushering in Fall with the 47th Annual Apple Festival
- New Jersey Nuclear Task Force Begins Work: A Look at Salem County
- Atlantic City Celebrates 7th Annual Empanada Fiesta
Follow South Jersey provides local journalism which highlights our diverse communities; fosters transparency through robust, localized, and vital reporting that holds leaders and institutions accountable; addresses critical information needs; supports people in navigating civic life; and equips people with the information necessary to partake in effective community engagement. If there is a story or event you think we should cover, please send your tips to news@followsouthjersey.com with “NEWS” in the subject line.
