Small Business Saturday – Support your local community – Visit a local merchant

by Staff November 20, 2012

written by Staff November 20, 2012 1 comment

THE SHOALS – This Saturday is our time to support local merchants. Situated between “Black Friday” and “Cyber Monday”, “Small Business Saturday” is the newly designated day to shop local. Ironically, “Small Business Saturday” was invented by one of the largest corporations in the world, American Express. They even went so far as to register the trademark. That notwithstanding, according to their website, last year over 100-million people came together to “Shop Small”, also registered.

Billy Hammock and Miss UNA, Anne-Marie Hall. Billy owns Creative Jewelers on Court Street in Florence. Billy customs designs jewelry of all kinds. Stop by Creative Jewelers and see their beautiful creations.

According to the “Shop Small” Facebook page, when shoppers support their local merchants, not only do they find unique items not found in the big superstores, they also get a dose of good old-fashioned personal service.

Here are some things you can do to help out.

Tweet with #SmallBizSat and post on Facebook to share your shopping plans for Saturday. Mention the stores where you found something unique.
Post photos of your favorite small business using #SmallBizSat on instagram.
If you own or work at a small business, remember to use social media and emails to rally your customers. Get your customers excited about the day.
Call up a friend and invite him/her to come shopping with you this Saturday.

Here’s a unique gift idea. Stop by “On The Rocks” and purchase gift-cards for your friends. Introduce them to the best burgers in The Shoals!

Buy a gift certificate for some excellent food from Smokin’ On The Boulevard.

Remember, you can’t find handmade items and crafts at those big chain stores. If you are looking to find some unique gifts, Small Business Saturday is the way to go.

Some of our local merchants who recently held Chamber of Commerce ribbon cuttings: