RSS 2.0 FeedThursday, November 24, 2011, Weekly editorial
Forget Black Friday, Small Business Saturday is coming
This year, “Black Friday” sales are even starting on Thanksgiving at some big box stores. The mad rush that claimed the life of a young Walmart employee crushed in a stampede some years ago is starting. We can expect parking lot rage, long lines at checkout counters, sticker shock and all the signs of the holiday shopping that make it the antithesis of what it is supposed to be.
But, take heart, Small Business Saturday is coming. A promotion started by American Express, it means showing your community spirit by patronizing small businesses run by your neighbors and friends.
Small Business Saturday means shopping where they know your name. It means strolling downtown in your hometown and looking in all the windows for a serendipitous gift idea. Your local merchant is also often the one that helps support your child's team and gives to the PTA for school events. She helps shoulder the local tax burden and gives to local charities.
The beautiful holiday decorations are funded by your local chamber of commerce, which also organizes several holiday events to help bring the community together.
Church and temple bazaars are also great places to find unique gifts that will be treasured for a lifetime.
If you have no other choice, endure Black Friday. But enjoy Small Business Saturday. It’s a great way to get into the holiday spirit. And send us your stories about how you spent Small Business Saturday. We would love to share them.
