Shop small on November 26 to support local businesses and community job growth

Downtown Farmville encourages residents and visitors to shop and dine at small businesses in Farmville on Saturday, Nov. 26, as part of the 2nd annual Small Business Saturday.

The Saturday after Thanksgiving is part of the traditional beginning to the holiday shopping season, and shopping and dining at small retailers and restaurants represents an opportunity to find special deals and gifts not available in discount store sales on Black Friday or online on Cyber Monday.

Organized by credit card company American Express in 2010, Small Business Saturday is designed to support small businesses by encouraging patronage of them by holiday shoppers. The first year was a success, with American Express reporting a 28% increase in sales from the previous year at small businesses that accept its cards.

“A number of people took advantage of the promotions and saved last year at our gallery,” said Jarrod Fergeson, owner of the j fergeson gallery in Farmville. “Plus they had an opportunity to enjoy shopping. Instead of a crowded mall or discount store, we’re located in a friendly downtown setting with historic character.”

If shoppers need additional reasons to shop small on the 26th (and for the rest of the holiday season), patronizing small businesses significantly benefits the economy. According to American Express, “small businesses generated 64% of new jobs created over the past 15 years.” Moreover, money spent at independent merchants tends to remain in the local economy.

“Research done across the country demonstrates that for every $100 spent with a local merchant, up to $68 of that stays within the local economy through payroll, local taxes and other expenditures,” said Sheri McGuire, Director of the Longwood Small Business Development Center. “If that same amount were spent with a large chain store, only $43 remains in the local economy. If you buy online, chances are none of it stays local.”

Support for the 2nd annual Small Business Saturday is growing. More than 1.6 million people have “liked” the campaign’s facebook page, and over 200 corporations, trade organizations and municipalities have joined the campaign as supporters.

To encourage further participation in Small Business Saturday, American Express is offering incentives to both shoppers and merchants.

American Express is offering its cardholders a one-time $25 statement credit if they register an eligible American Express Card and use that card for a purchase of $25 or more at a small business on Nov. 26th. Cardholders must register to receive the credit at www.facebook.com/smallbusinesssaturday.