Small Business Saturday is on Nov. 24 this year, two days after Thanksgiving. It is a day for everyone to support the small businesses that their community thrives on.
American Express founded the day in 2010 to help small businesses get exposure during the holiday season, when they might be otherwise overlooked. With retailers buzzing around the holidays, it is important to support local small businesses that rely on their neighbors in order to continue prospering and building the local economy in Southampton.
Many local businesses were forced to close for several days due to Superstorm Sandy and subsequent power outages. They could use a boost, now that things are getting back to normal.
“A major foundation of our economy is small business, which I why we need to support them,” said Southampton Chamber of Commerce President Micah Schlendorf on Friday.
In addition to providing economic benefits to the community, small businesses in Southampton also support local charities and nonprofits, such as cancer foundations and Southampton Hospital, which provides health care for the East End, Schlendorf said.
He said that all of the Southampton Chamber of Commerce's events during the holiday season, including the Southampton Village Parade of Lights and Tree Lighting on Dec. 1, tie in the local businesses. “There’s a number of different things we do with the local community, to get out and hopefully spend a little money.”
This season, area firefighters and ambulance volunteers are invited to light the tree, as recognition for their tireless work during Superstorm Sandy and other emergencies, Schlendorf said.
Local fire departments and ambulance companies are also recipients of donations from local small business owners.
Last year, 100 million people nationwide participated in Small Business Saturday by shopping at locally owned stores to help boost the economy and their communities.
You can “like” Small Business Saturday on Facebook by visiting www.facebook.com/shopsmall.
TELL US: What small businesses do you patronize in your town and what makes them great? Share in the comments section below.