There are less than 4 weeks left until Christmas. Yes, you heard that right. The lack of snow has fooled everyone. Fortunately, there’s no need to panic if you haven’t yet made your list and checked it twice.
A fantastic way to kick-start your holiday shopping is by supporting local. Everyone knows about Black Friday, but are you aware of Small Business Saturday? This Saturday, November 29, is your chance to support local, hard-working, small businesses, and the options around the city and throughout the province are unmatched.
Small Business Saturday is timed perfectly because with Giving Tuesday coming up on December 2, you have the change to give to your community — by supporting — small local businesses!
Small Business Saturday is a celebration held on the day after Black Friday — November 28 — to champion buying local at the start of the busy holiday shopping season. It’s the biggest shopping day of the year for small businesses and they often host special sales or appreciation events to give back to their customers. Coincidentally, Black Friday is also Buy Nothing Day, so you can choose which option is right for you. If you choose to skip Black Friday, you can catch up with your shopping on Saturday!
Small Business Saturday is run by the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB), the country’s largest association of small and medium-sized businesses. They started #SmallBusinessEveryDay to encourage Canadians to support small businesses from coast to coast in their local communities, every day, in any way we can.
The #SmallBusinessEveryDay is a year-round initiative created by CFIB that encourages Canadians to support the independent businesses that make their communities unique by keeping their loonies local. Launched in 2020, the campaign has now entered its fifth year and is helping shed light on the important role small businesses play in supporting local economies.
Your favourite small businesses pour their hearts into what they do every day. This coming Small Business Saturday, join in supporting local businesses by showing them the love they deserve, and wrap yourself up in the warm feeling of supporting local.
Along with heartfelt service and unique products, you’ll get great deals, too. Look out for businesses offering Small Business Saturday sales and special offers.
Why shop local?
Small businesses make life better. They prepare our morning coffee, repair our cars, give our children their first jobs, sponsor sports teams, support our fundraisers, and so much more. They’re always there for us when we need them. Now it’s our turn to be there for them.
There are many great reasons to choose local over big-box. Here are the top five fantastic reasons to feel great about shopping small:
1. Love for local Nine out of 10 of us really value having locally-owned businesses in our neighbourhood, according to CFIB. They’re the heartbeat of our community and play a big part in shaping its future. When you shop small, you’re showing your neighbours some love.
2. Money stays close to home When you spend at small businesses, 66 cents of every dollar you spend stays right in your community. It supports local jobs, your kids’ soccer team, community infrastructure, and charities and causes close to your heart.
3. Your choice matters 84% of us say we’d like to do more of our shopping at small businesses but only 1 out of 3 of us go out of our way to shop at an independent retailer over a big chain. It’s time to put our dollars where our hearts are — shifting just a small portion of our spending away from major retailers and online giants makes a big difference.
4. Discover hidden gems Small businesses offer something special, whether it’s their unique products, specialized knowledge and advice, or that personal touch — like remembering your name and your favourite order. They love what they do, and they want to share it with you!
5. Champion your favourites More than half of us have already recommended a local small business to friends and family. If you take the time to leave reviews for your favourite businesses, spread the word about them on social media, and recommend them to others, you’re a true champion for local businesses — and that’s something to feel great about!
#SmallBusinessSaturday
Don’t forget to post where you’re shopping on Small Business Saturday. Show your support by writing a review, share posts, and engage with content from your favourite local small businesses on social media. If you tag CFIB and use the hashtag #SmallBusinessSaturday or #FallinLovewithLocal in your post, they can share it, too!
Everyone has their favourite local businesses that they frequent, whether it’s a boutique, independent car repair shop, butcher, salon, non-chain restaurant, gallery, bakery, tailor, consignment shop, crafter, pub or coffee shop, and yes, real estate office, to name just a few. This is a great way to spread the word about them, gifting them with free publicity. And if you’re shopping online, remember to look beyond the retail giants and explore the many small businesses now operating virtually on platforms such as Etsy, TikTok, Facebook and Instagram.
There are many ways to support local business. Remember, they are your neighbours, so don’t forget about them when you’re walking through a mall or big box store hunting for a great deal on the perfect gift, or if you’re looking for something unique. Small businesses want your business and often will go the extra mile for you. Looking for something special? Ask a local business owner if they can source it for you before buying elsewhere. They probably have exactly what you’re looking for, so driving past the shopping mall will be well worth it and you’ll be able to feel good about your purchase at the same time. Remember, shopping local is a sustainable way to shop!
Your loonie goes further when it stays close to home
Small businesses, including locally owned franchises, make a BIG impact on local economies — sponsoring community initiatives, donating time and goods to local fundraisers, and bringing in specialty items for their customers. From funding local literacy programs to sponsoring community gardens, donating to food security initiatives and supporting extracurricular activities, when local businesses thrive, they channel their success back into their communities.
The money you spend locally is recirculated back into the community through things like wages for local workers, locally sourced goods and services, municipal taxes, and donations to local causes.
You should also make note of The Big Thank You Contest. This is the perfect opportunity to send a special thank you message to your favourite small businesses. Both you and the businesses you nominate could win some great prizes in the new year!
I can’t think of any better way to kick off the holiday shopping season than by supporting local businesses! Visit www.smallbusinesseveryday.ca for more information, or check out tourismwinnipeg.com and travelmanitoba.com for excellent resources to everything local. Have fun finding your new favourites!