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Falling between Black Friday and Cyber Monday, Small Business Saturday is a day to celebrate and support small, independently owned businesses that help boost local economies across the country.
“Small businesses in Stamford are run by our friends and neighbors, and deserve our support during the holiday shopping season,” said Martin. “Small businesses are essential to our community. They offer a special selection of merchandise and services which aren’t offered by big companies. When we support small businesses, it benefits our community by supporting our schools, fire and police departments, and roads.”
Small Business Saturday was created in 2010 in response to small business owners’ most pressing need: more customers. Since inception, Small Business Saturday has served as the ceremonial kickoff to the busy holiday shopping season for small, independently-owned businesses. According to American Express, more than 95 million consumers shopped at small businesses on Small Business Saturday last year.
“Shopping locally does give the local economy a boost,” added Thomas Madden, the city's director of economic development. “According to research firm Civic Economics, for every $100 spent at a local store, approximately $68 stays within the community. Not so if a consumer shops at a chain store ($43) or online (next to nothing). Shopping locally also helps to create jobs which can help to raise real estate values.”
Regina Kirshbaum, owner of Agabhumi, located in the South of Town (SOTO) district said, "Shopping small has huge benefits! Agabhumi was founded on the premise that customers should never lack service with a smile coupled with convenience and value. We know the colors you like, we know your wives and children. Please come in and see how a small business can be a huge success.”
In honor of ‘Shop Small’ day on Saturday, Nov. 26, Stamford Downtown will celebrate with 35 Downtown merchants by "offering special ‘Shop Local’ promotions,” said Jackie Wenthall from the Downtown Special Services District. “Participating merchants will be offerings breakfast treats to kick off the day and the public is invited to participate in our ‘Shop Local’ scavenger hunt around Stamford Downtown starting at the Ferguson Library anytime between noon and 3 p.m. Residents can check out our website stamford-downtown.com for information on additional promotions.”
“Small Business Saturday will provide an opportunity for Stamford residents to show their community spirit by putting money back into our local economy. We’re proud to be a major supporter of small business here in Stamford, and we are proud to support our small business community,” said Jack Condlin, President & CEO of the Stamford Chamber of Commerce.
Similar to last year, Women Impacting Public Policy, a nonpartisan small business advocate and operational arm of the Small Business Saturday Coalition, is rallying mayors across the country to show their support and help encourage their local communities to shop small on Nov. 26.
“In 2015, elected officials in all 50 states and Washington D.C. championed Small Business Saturday which helped drive consumers to shop at small, independently-owned businesses on the day,” said Jane Campbell, President of WIPP. “This year, we are further expanding our outreach to Mayors across the country to rally their communities and support their local small businesses throughout the holiday season.”
Mayor Martin plans to Shop Small on Nov. 26 in the Downtown and South of Town (SOTO District) and has invited residents of Stamford to shop locally with him.
Residents are encouraged to show their love for small businesses by posting on social media about their favorite local shops and restaurants in Stamford with #ShopSmall and #DineSmall.
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