Carol Fisher Linn
Take a stroll down any main street in the United States, from the smallest towns to nearby cities. Order from the restaurant that remembers your name. Pick up a gift from the boutique that curates with care. Share their story online. Because when you shop small, you help build something big: stronger communities, thriving neighborhoods, and a future where local businesses shine. Go to Ellicottville’s Daff and find the Patagonia items you find online without paying shipping or returning for sizing. Go to Salamanca Mall Antiques and take a walk back in time and maybe find that missing pitcher for mom’s antique glasses that she loves so much. Or visit the stores in Bemus and Lakewood, Chautauqua and Jamestown to find those one-of-a-kind, unusual items, both treating yourself to a day of wandering and enjoying the sights and smells of lovingly kept unique shops and art galleries. One Lakewood shop in particular, Pea Pod and Juniper (141 Chautauqua Avenue) is kicking off the holiday season on Small Business Saturday with a chance for surprise giveaways going until Christmas. You must visit Pea Pod and Juniper Too, their toy and candy store down the block. Please note: This is not necessarily the time to look for sales or “deals” but rather the time to support these small shops as they look forward to the holiday season helping them get through the upcoming leaner seasons so they can be there for shoppers after the holiday.
Small Business Saturday was founded by American Express in 2010 and was officially cosponsored by the Small Business Administration (SBA) since 2011. It is an important part of small businesses’ busiest shopping season. In 2024, the reported projected spending in the U.S. from those who shopped at small businesses on Small Business Saturday was around $22 billion. Amazingly, since 2010, the total reported U.S. spending at small businesses during the annual Small Business Saturday is an estimated $223 billion. That is money that stays in your neighborhood, pays your neighbors and is also spent in your local stores, restaurants, and services, which then support even more small businesses. This is evidence that when you shop small, you’re doing something much bigger. Support our nation’s more than 36 million independent businesses this Small Business Saturday and all holiday season long. Now more than ever, small businesses need our support.
From the SBA website, we find this quick look back at how Small Business Saturday took off: Over the years, Small Business Saturday has gone from a spark to a movement that fuels billions in spending. What began in 2010 as a boost for small businesses has since seen explosive growth, national recognition, and resilience—even during the pandemic. Small Business Saturday is all about choosing local over large chains. It falls on the Saturday after Thanksgiving and shines a spotlight on independently owned shops, cafés, restaurants, and service providers. From the very first year when 103 million shoppers took part to today the numbers have grown.
Why It Matters?
For decades, holiday shopping meant big-box stores and global e-commerce giants. Small businesses often got drowned out. SBS changed that — it gave local owners a platform and reminded shoppers that every latte, gift, sports garment/ season pass, or meal bought locally keeps money in the community. But here’s the best part: Small Business Saturday isn’t just one day anymore. It’s become a year-round mindset: During 2020 alone, small businesses reported a 300% spike in online sales over the SBS weekend. That’s proof of resilience, agility, and community support.