Forget about “Black Friday” or “Cyber Monday,” Small Business Saturday is what it’s all about! Small Business Saturday is the day that Downtown Morgantown, and hundreds of other cities and towns, will showcase the #shopsmall and #shoplocal movement.
Small Business Saturday is a national shopping day held annually the Saturday after Thanksgiving and was created by American Express. Yes, imagine that, a credit card company created a shopping holiday and encouraging you to spend money. More specifically, they are encouraging you to visit small, local businesses by offering American Express Card holders special incentives for doing so. This year, eligible Card Members can earn 2X rewards at qualifying small businesses. If you are an American Express card holder, visit their website for full details.
So why should you shop on Small Business Saturday instead of one of the other shopping “holidays”? Let me give you a list (provided by the SBA):
- Small businesses create two (2) of every three (3) new net private-sector jobs in the US.
- Small businesses make up nearly 96% of all employers in our great state.
- You are supporting your neighbors, friends and fellow community members. The money you spend in the small (often local and privately owned) businesses stays in your community. These same business owners are the ones to sponsor your t-ball team, support local programs, and give donations to your local organization’s fundraising efforts.
Main Street Morgantown is once again your “Neighborhood Champion” for the Downtown District and the many small businesses located there. This downtown event will be held Saturday, November 26 from 10 AM to 5 PM at Arts Mon (201 High St). Children are invited to visit Mr. & Mrs. Claus from 10-2, sponsored by The Greater Morgantown Convention & Visitor Bureau. Shoppers can purchase a cup of hot cocoa and freshly baked goods (all proceeds go to Lil’Jammaz competition dance teams) at the Courthouse Square while enjoying festive music by DJ Strizzy. Downtown businesses will have specials, which were specifically chosen to help you win a downtown basket (valued up to $500). For every $25 spent in the Downtown District (including the Wharf District) up to $100 will be entered into the drawings (up to 4 entries). Shoppers must visit Arts Mon with their receipts to be eligible.
Even though Small Business Saturday is a one-day event, Main Street Morgantown hopes you will make every day Small Business Saturday by continuing to #shopsmall and #shoplocal. Be sure to follow Main Street Morgantown on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to stay up to date on all things Small Business Saturday!
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Nikki Lewis received her MS in Design at West Virginia University and is the Executive Director of Main Street Fairmont.