Small Business Saturday first took place in the UK in 2013, supported by American Express, who understand how crucial small businesses are in our local communities and wants to shout about the benefits of shopping small. The campaign is run by community interest company Small is Big CIC with the aim of steering consumers away from shopping with the internet giants on Black Friday and supporting small businesses instead. The campaign is undoubtedly the most successful of its type, with spend on Small Business Saturday totalling to £748 million in 2017* and aiming to reach over £800 million this Saturday 5th December. With retail being permitted to reopen today and Small Business Saturday taking place this weekend, Charlie has explored Small Business Saturday 2020 in a year where supporting local has become ever-more meaningful.
Last year's Shop Small campaign
If you missed Beccy’s blog last year, here is a quick recap of what took place as part of the campaign:
American Express card holders received £5 credit when they spent £10 or more with participating small businesses. Also, Shop Small magazine was launched, aiming to champion local independents and entrepreneurs.
It’s safe to say last year’s campaign was a huge success, with 17.6 million people choosing to shop small on the day**.
What's different this year?
The ever-popular Big Blue Bus Tour was unsurprisingly moved online this year. This allowed for the biggest tour yet, stopping at 33 locations across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland; more than ever before. BT Skills for Tomorrow supported the tour, providing free 1-2-1 online mentoring sessions and workshops from entrepreneurial experts. Free support and advice on topics such as digital marketing and time and money management was also provided by BT. Additionally, new for 2020 was Live Interviews, which saw conversations with small businesses and industry experts broadcasted to social media.
Support local this year
59% of Brits say they support small now more than previously***, indicating a boost in love for local products and services, particularly due to coronavirus uncertainty.
With our much-loved shops in Reigate reopening their doors today, be sure to #SupportLocal in the run up to Christmas. The Reigate Business Guild have organised a late-night shopping event taking place in Reigate this Thursday 3rd December, where many of our favourite stores in the town centre will be open beyond their usual closing times. Santa is also due to visit at 5pm! Please do take this opportunity to show your support for our wonderful local businesses in these ever-challenging times. If you’re unable to make tomorrow’s late-night shopping event, check out Beccy’s blog featuring some fantastic Christmas gift ideas from independent companies in and around Reigate.
You can also show your support for #SmallBizSatUK by Tweeting the campaign here.
Check out all the latest updates from Small Business Saturday UK on their socials:
* Source: Retail Gazette
** Source: Small Business Saturday UK
*** Source: Research commissioned by American Express & Small Business Saturday UK