Small Business Saturday

Small Business Saturday
Observed by	United States, United Kingdom
Type	Commercial
Date	Saturday after Thanksgiving
Frequency	Annual
Related to	Black Friday, Cyber Monday, Buy Nothing Day

Small Business Saturday is an annual shopping holiday held on the Saturday after Thanksgiving in the United States and the United Kingdom. It is a counterpart to Black Friday and Cyber Monday, which feature big box retail and e-commerce stores respectively. Small Business Saturday encourages holiday shoppers to patronize brick-and-mortar businesses that are small and local.

History

Small Business Saturday was first observed in the United States on November 27, 2010. It was created by American Express as a way to support small businesses and boost the local economy. The initiative gained significant traction and was officially recognized by the United States Senate in 2011.

In the United Kingdom, Small Business Saturday was launched in 2013. The campaign has been supported by various organizations and government bodies, including the Federation of Small Businesses and the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy.

Impact

Small Business Saturday has had a notable impact on local economies. According to American Express, in 2019, an estimated $19.6 billion was spent at independent retailers and restaurants on Small Business Saturday. The event has also helped raise awareness about the importance of supporting small businesses, which are often considered the backbone of the economy.

Related Observances

• Black Friday: The day after Thanksgiving, known for significant sales and discounts at large retailers.
• Cyber Monday: The Monday following Thanksgiving, focusing on online shopping deals.
• Buy Nothing Day: An international day of protest against consumerism, held on the same day as Black Friday.

See Also

• Local business
• Small business
• Retail
• Thanksgiving (United States)
• American Express