Celebrate Small Business Saturday by Shopping Locally

The day after Thanksgiving in the United States has long been referred to as “Black Friday,” a day when retail stores across the country hold big sales and welcome throngs of holiday shoppers looking for that special deal. However, in recent years, the day has become more of a mass exodus to the big box stores and national chains as folks line up early to be among the first to get their hands on limited offers for big ticket items. Some of these big retailers have begun to open earlier and earlier each year for the event, with several now opening on Thanksgiving evening to get a jump on the Black Friday craze, disrupting employees’ holiday time with family and causing smaller retailers and “Mom & Pop” stores to suffer as their customers flock to the well-hyped super sales. In response, several small merchants, together with American Express®, organized Small Business Saturday, a day when everyone is encouraged to shop locally while taking advantage of some special offers as well.

The 3^rd annual official Small Business Saturday is tomorrow, November 24^th. American Express cardholders can enroll in the day’s program to get $25 back when they spend $25 or more at a qualifying small business location. In addition, many shops will be participating in their own unique ways. Here in Meredith, the shops at the Mill Falls Marketplace will be celebrating Small Business Saturday with open doors, smiling faces, and deals of their own!

Most of the shops at the Mill Falls Marketplace are participating American Express merchants, including The Country Carriage, Voila! Salon, and Adornments. The team at Adornments and Lady of the Lake boutiques are offering a “bounce back coupon” for $10 off the next purchase to anyone who makes a purchase of $50 or more at either store on Saturday. This offer applies to everyone, not only American Express cardholders. These two popular shops are also holding a Black Friday Special: 20% off all jewelry at both locations, including sterling silver items.

Lee’s Candy Kitchen has a special offer for followers of the Inns & Spa at Mill Falls Facebook page: “Mention this Facebook post and receive 10% of your gummy, fudge, or chocolate order (1 lb. minimum),” says Gerry, owner of this favorite Marketplace stop. And as always, Oglethorpe Fine Arts & Crafts is promoting their “buy quality handcrafted in America with selections from over 500 American artists…a treasure trove for unique gifts!”

“By shopping small, we can help America’s small businesses do what they do best: grow their businesses, create good jobs, and ensure that our communities are vibrant,” says Karen Gordon Mills, the Administrator of the U.S. Small Business Administration.

This holiday season, please remember to support the small businesses in your own communities and across the country. For more information and a list of participating merchants, please visit www.shopsmall.com. While shopping small, we make a big difference.

Carrie Reed
The Mill Falls Blogging Team