Holiday shoppers alienated with the bedlam of Black Friday should support Small Business Saturday (launched by American Express) by shopping locally on November 24.
You can find an amazing mix of unique gifts and exceptional services to purchase for family and friends, while contributing to the well-being of your community’s economy.
In Elmhurst, the Explore Elmhurst Holly Trolley returns for a run of six Saturdays starting November 24 from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., connecting Elmhurst City Centre, Spring Road Business District and York and Vallette Business District.
In 2017, an estimated 108 million consumers shopped and dined on Small Business Saturday, generating $12.9 billion in spending, according to the Small Business Saturday Consumer Insights Survey, commissioned by the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) and American Express.
Nine out of 10 consumers surveyed stated that Small Business Saturday has had a “positive impact” on their community and provides inspiration for them to explore new independently-owned retailers and restaurants.
According to the survey, the small businesses most frequented were:
· Restaurants, bars and pubs (41%);
· Clothing and accessories stores (24%);
· Food stores (23%); and
· Coffee shops (22%).
Today, small businesses account for some 28 million U.S. businesses, employ half of those working in the private sector and create two out of every three new jobs, according to the U.S. Small Business Administration.
For many communities, sales taxes account for a municipality’s largest source of budget revenue, often offsetting any need for a property tax increase. Home-rule municipalities like Elmhurst benefit even more from local taxes on food and beverage, retail, motor fuel, etc.
More importantly, 68% of every $1 spent at a local small business stays in the community, as compared to 44% for big box retail.
So there are numerous benefits to shopping “small” this holiday season—and all year ‘round.
300A W Lake St Suite 201, Elmhurst, IL 60126
630.834.6060