MANCHESTER, NH – Holiday shoppers who need a motivational boost to get off the couch (and the apps) and shop local this weekend can get what they need at the Small Business Saturday kick off event, 8:30 a.m. Saturday.
The Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce and Manchester Economic Development Office are hosting the party, 8:30-10:30 a.m. at The Bookery, 844 Elm St. It will feature refreshments, giveaways, and information on promotions and deals around the city and surrounding towns.
The chamber website also has a list of local Small Business Saturday promotions and events. Business owners still have time to add their Small Business Saturday information to the list.
The chamber is encouraging small businesses in the city and surrounding towns to let people know that they’re participating on Saturday, and what they’ve got going on, to “open their doors, welcome new and return shoppers into their businesses.”
Small Business Saturday “is the most important day of the year for small businesses here in New England” as well as across the country, Peter Steele, New England regional administrator, U.S. Small Business Administration, said Tuesday in an op-ed.
Many small businesses rely on the holiday season to generate enough revenue to support their business, their employees and themselves the rest of the year.
“About 80% of small business owners say that end-of-the-year spending by customers is critical for their bottom line,” Steele said.
One of the bigger events of the day is happening at Olive Grove Event Center, 201 Hanover St., where The Business Alliance is hosting the BAPOC Holiday Marketplace that will showcase local artisans, makers, and small business owners and help support community wealth-building. The marketplace, which will take place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., will feature handcrafted goods, artwork, food vendors, and specialty items “perfect for gifting with purpose.”
“Every purchase is a statement of support, creativity, and community,” Latonya Wallace, chair of The Business Alliance, said. “This marketplace highlights the talent and resilience of business owners across New Hampshire – and the power of buying local.”
The day’s specials aren’t limited to downtown. Businesses from Bedford to South Willow Street are listed on the chamber’s page. Saturday’s happenings don’t only include discounts, giveaways and promotions, but also events.
The Bookery is hosting author readings. AR Workshop, 23 West Merrimack St., has a DIY ornament open house as well as a family wood and canvas workshop. Wonderland Books & Toys, 245 Maple St., has a special story time for kids.
Grabbing a bite at Diz’s Café? You can also make paper chains and snowflakes at your table.
Many businesses are also offering things like free gift wrapping. Some have discounts and promotions that are happening throughout the holiday season, not just Saturday. And many also offer online holiday promotions.
The chamber, city economic development department and SBA also remind shoppers that they should think local and shop at small businesses throughout the holidays, as well as the rest of the year.
Shopping at locally owned businesses supports people who live, work, and also spend money in the community. It also boosts local job and business creation, which in turn boosts the local bottom line.
“The day infuses money back into our local economies, promotes vibrant and innovative communities, and celebrates the important role of small businesses in the national economy,” the U.S. Chamber of Commerce said.
Small Business Saturday was launched by American Express in 2010, as a way to promote small businesses during the height of the Great Recession – with all the attention on shopping-frenzied Black Friday, smaller companies needed a boost during a lean economic period. It didn’t take long for the promotion to expand beyond a credit card company campaign. The Small Business Administration jumped on board in 2011 after the U.S. Senate officially declared the Saturday after Thanksgiving as Small Business Saturday.
Consumers have spent an estimated $223 billion at small businesses since the promotion began in 2010, according to the SBA. Last year, spending across the country was an estimated $22 billion.