According to recent reports from both Deloitte and the National Retail Federation, U.S. retail sales are projected to grow between 3.8% and 5% overall in November and December compared with the same period in 2018. The job market is showing resilience, helping to quiet recession fears, and the latest report shows the U.S. added 128,000 jobs in October.
All of these signs bode well for a great holiday season, which means retailers are heading into the all important 4th quarter with a green light, backed by positive consumer sentiment. Now is the time to finalize your holiday plans and preparations, including taking steps to make sure you business is positioned to capitalize on Small Business Saturday. Founded in 2010 by American Express, Small Business Saturday was designed to help businesses with their most pressing need – to bring more customers through the doors. Small Business Saturday happens every year on the Saturday after Thanksgiving and encourages people to shop locally within their communities and support the small businesses that help write the American story.
This year, Small Business Saturday will take place on Saturday, November 30th, and I’ve got a plan to help you get set for #ShopSmall Success! At a time when an increasing number of consumers are opting to shop online – and are spreading their holiday shopping spending over a longer period of time than they did traditionally – many still prioritize visiting brick and mortar small businesses on Small Business Saturday. In 2018, U.S. consumers reported spending a record high of an estimated $17.8 billion at independent retailers and restaurants on Small Business Saturday. Over the years, Small Business Saturday spending has now reached a reported estimate of $103 billion since the day began in 2010 — that’s $103 billion over 9 days alone.
Get started now by requesting a Shop Small® Kit by visiting the Shop Small® Studio, available while supplies last. After you create your downloadable marketing materials, just click on “Request a Shop Small® Kit.” The Shop Small® Kit includes merchandise like buttons, tote bags, stickers, pens, and more, to help your business stand out on November 30, and keep the movement alive all year round. Make sure to apply today, because the deadline is November 7, 2019.
If you have questions about Small Business Saturday, or need more information on how to participate, you can reach out and email ShopSmallHelp@aexp.com or call the Shop Small Helpline at 1-833-213-0506, 9am to 6pm ET, Monday through Friday.
In order to help you start your most successful holiday season ever, I’ve created my “Top 10 Tops for Shop Small Success.” It’s my holiday gift to you, free to use as a guide to help you create your best #ShopSmall event, ever. It includes timely info designed to make your profits soar, including information on Small Business Saturday hashtags, reminders about financing offers, holiday sales tips, and more!
You can find it online now HERE
Interested in learning more about how you can prepare for Small Business Saturday, have questions about this article, or want to suggest a topic for me to cover in future blogs? I’d love to hear from you. Email me at Ann@JewelersSuite.com today!
