Small Business Saturday Ready to Help Local Retail Rally

Posted by Natalie Kaar / Tuesday, November 15th, 2011

Hello there, shoppers! With this wonderful weather we’re having it can be difficult to remember it’s mid-November, but we really are only 40 days away from Christmas (thanks, Siri, for your quick math). That means it’s time to start holiday shopping.

Should you be among those who enjoy that post-Thanksgiving rush, get ready to help our local shops shine during the high time. American Express’s Small Business Saturday, an effort to help local boutiques get more action on the Saturday between Black Friday and Cyber Monday, returns for the second consecutive year on Nov. 26.

Pre-register your Amex for the program and spend at least $25 at a small business on Nov. 26, and score a $25 statement credit (Amex will award the statement credit to 200,000 shoppers).

But, dear shoppers, that’s not  all that’s in store for you on Small Business Saturday. Several local shops in our area will be hosting special in-store events and offering raffles, giveaways and more.

The Nest Egg, at Fairfax Corner, which participated in Small Business Saturday last year and saw a 94-percent sales increase in comparison to the preceding year, will be giving away over $1,500 in merchandise this year through gifts with purchase and in-store giveaways.

Adams Morgan will also host a slew of activities at local shops for the official Washington, D.C. Small Business Saturday celebration from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. at 18th Street and Columbia Road NW/ Sun Trust Plaza. Adams Morgan events will include: Farmer’s Market 40^th Anniversary, 8:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.; free coffee at Tryst Coffee Shop at 10 a.m.; Winter Fashion show, 11 a.m. – noon; Wine Tasting with AM Wine Shoppe, 3-4 p.m.; live music from noon – 2 p.m.; raffles and giveaways; a mayoral Proclamation reading at noon; and discount parking.

Also, we just learned that Vienna’s Valerianne will be doing a giveaway for shoppers. And yet this is only the beginning.

“Last year, independent merchants who accept American Express saw an average boost in sales of 28 percent on Small Business Saturday,” says Mary Ann Fitzmaurice Reilly, senior vice president at American Express OPEN. “Shoppers sent a clear message that shopping local is an important part of the holiday season, and small businesses are rewarding that loyalty with what their customers care about most–superior service, unique selection and some great deals.”

Happy shopping!

-Natalie Kaar

Tags: $25 statement credit, American Express, Black Friday, Cyber Monday, Natalie Kaar, Northern Virginia Magazine, nova mag, S.W.A.G., Small Business Saturday, TBD shopping, The Nest Egg, Valerianne