November 29, 2025
Small Business Saturday is more than a shopping day—it’s a celebration of local spirit, creativity, and shared success. Several business owners feel the pinch following the drain from national chains and online shopping platforms following Black Friday and Cyber Monday. You can help them get over the hump by planning to shop local.
In 2010 American Express created the spotlight to encourage people to support local shops following the (American) Thanksgiving rush. Investing in your local communities by “Shopping Small” gives where you call home an economic boost. Data shows that 68% of every dollar spent locally stays in the community by supporting schools, parks and essential services. Local business supports our sports teams, fundraisers, and is there to help in a time of need for their community.
A success store traffic day can also mean long-term gains for a shop that can turn a first-time visitor into a repeat customer. Tips for business owners are to stand out with personalized service, unique products, while you show your local charm. Living local is something larger retailers can’t replicate as genuinely. Think about offering special bundles, participating in joint marketing with other locals, and definitely be your best at the service game.
Don’t keep your business a secret. Avoid being invisible by starting your advertising early, invest in point-of-sale signage. Take to social media showing your preparation to welcome local shoppers. Work your database by phone, postcard, and/or email marketing.
As a shopper supporting local, start visiting shops early while sharing your experiences with friends and social media. This can help spread the word to build momentum for the local shops and restaurants later in the day
To access the tools to welcome shoppers to your space on Small Business Saturday, contact (((((AMPLIFY))))) at tim@ampbroker.ca or call me at 705-626-TIM-1.
Tim Thomson, Profit Impact Broker (((((AMPLIFY))))
FORGET-ME-NOT DAY
