Jennifer Giering
By Jennifer Giering
President
Dearborn Area Chamber of Commerce
“Small Business Saturday” is a nationwide campaign to spur business for small merchants on Nov. 24 – the Saturday after Thanksgiving. It began in 2010 when American Express founded Small Business Saturday to help small businesses get more exposure during one of the biggest shopping weekends of the year. It is a day dedicated to supporting small businesses on one of the busiest shopping weekends of the year. Last year, more than 100 million people went out to shop at independently-owned small businesses on that day.
American Express also will help drive traffic through the doors of small, locally-owned businesses with a special incentive: a $25 statement credit offer for cardmembers who register their card and spend $25 or more at any qualifying small business that accepts the American Ex-press Card. You can take advantage of this offer by shopping at many Dearborn Area Chamber of Commerce member businesses on Nov. 24.
Small business success is critical to the nation’s overall economy. According to the U.S. Small Business Administration, there were nearly 28 million small businesses in the United States last year, and over the past two decades, they’ve created 65 percent of new jobs. Their importance to local communities extends even further. According to the small business advocacy group The 350 Project, for every $100 spent in locally-owned, independent stores, $68 returns to the community through taxes, payroll and other expenditures.
How can you help? Consider shopping at local stores and restaurants for the perfect gift. We have bicycle shops and ski stores, bakeries and gift shops and wonderful specialty stores including Sophia’s Giftique, Village Picture Frame & Art Gallery, Steven Bernard Jewelers, Merchants Fine Wine, Brightly Twisted and online store Design Turnpike.
What about a gift certificate to a local spa? Give a treat to teachers or neighbors from Shatila Bakery, Iversen’s Bakery Express or New Yasmeen Bakery. Looking for a unique item? Try shopping at the Holiday Show at The Glass Academy, December 1-2 or pick up gifts at the shops at The Henry Ford or American Arab National Museum.
The gift that keeps on giving would include a membership to any of the aforementioned attractions or season tickets to The Players Guild of Dearborn, the Dearborn Symphony or to a show at the Ford Community & Performing Arts Center. While your’re decorating your home for the holidays remember English Gardens, Ken Baron’s Florist & Gifts or Studz Hardware for your tree and trimmings! The options in your neighborhood are endless.
To find out more about Small Business Saturday, go to www.shopsmall.com and to find small businesses in the area go to the Dearborn Area Chamber of Commerce website at www.DearbornAreaChamber.org. Watch the Dearborn Area Chamber of Commerce Facebook page for special promotions starting Nov. 18.
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