Chelsea Groton Bank October 2016
Business Matters Chelsea Groton understands big business concerns, small business needs... and where the two intersect.

Small Business Corner:
Making the Most of Small Business Saturday

Small Business SaturdayIn November 2010, American Express launched Small Business Saturday (@ShopSmall) to encourage shoppers to support local businesses in between their support of national megastores on Black Friday and online retailers on Cyber Monday. The White House endorsed the movement the following year, and the success of the day continues to grow each year.

Since Small Business Saturday keeps money in the community where you shop, it has positive effects on not only the businesses, but the community's economy as a whole. According to the American Independent Business Alliance, 48 percent of the money spent at local independent businesses is re-circulated locally, while less than 14 percent of money spent at chain stores stay within the area where they were purchased.

Here are some ideas on how to market your business for success on Small Business Saturday:

  • Use the complimentary Small Business Saturday toolkits available on Facebook and the American Express website for marketing ideas and free access to in-store signage, e-marketing materials, logos, social media content, and other promotional resources and tools.
  • Partner with other small businesses or non-profits to promote your organizations together, and to remind potential customers that supporting local business is one of many ways to make an investment in the community where they live and work.
  • Communicate through social media, e-newsletters, your business' website and flyers about specific promotions or activities that will occur at the shop.
  • Set special hours and launch specific promotions that are only good on Small Business Saturday, to ensure foot traffic and sales are up throughout the day.
  • Provide free coffee or hold a raffle for a gift card for an item or service from your store. This will help build excitement and chatter, and also affords the opportunity to collect email addresses and contact info, so you have a way to reach out to potential customers in the future.

Here are ideas on how your business can support other small businesses on Small Business Saturday:

  • Treat your staff to a take-out meal delivered by a local eatery. Your team will feel appreciated, and the local restaurant may return the favor when they are in need of something you sell.
  • Hire a local artist to paint a scene on your shop's window or to set up an in-store display around the holidays.
  • Order branded calendars and holiday cards from a local printer.
  • Hire a local masseuse to come to the office and provide chair massages for your staff.
  • Contribute financially to a local cause, and include information about the cause at your business so others can become aware of their mission and get involved.
  • Always look to local options first, even if it costs a few more dollars, since your hope is that other community businesses will return the favor and support you!

 Member FDIC | Equal Housing Lender                                              Go to chelseagroton.com