Small Business Saturday: Your chance to support independent retailers in Volusia, Flagler

Posted by Admin November 21, 2023 Bussiness

After the early-bird online sales, doorbusters and pre-dawn Black Friday ritual, the shopping spotlight turns to independent brick-and-mortar retailers this weekend when the annual Small Business Saturday again beckons shoppers to “shop small” for holiday gifts.

Created by American Express in 2010, the annual event has become an important part of the holiday shopping season for mom-and-pop entrepreneurs. Since its second year, the event also has been co-sponsored by the U.S. Small Business Administration.

Here’s what you need to know about the event:

What impact has Small Business Saturday had on independent retailers?

Historically, reported projected spending among U.S. consumers who shopped at independent retailers and restaurants on Small Business Saturday reached an estimated $17.9 billion according to a 2022 Small Business Saturday Consumer Insights Survey commissioned by American Express.

In the survey, 72% of shoppers said the event makes them want to shop and dine at small, independently owned retailers and restaurants throughout the year. Collectively, Small Business Saturday has generated $163 billion in shopper spending throughout the event’s history, according to American Express.

When is Small Business Saturday?

The event always takes place on the Saturday after Thanksgiving, amid the peak shopping weekend that heralds the arrival of the holiday shopping season.

What can I do to support small businesses on Saturday?

It’s simple: Go out and shop at locally owned small businesses, dine at independently owned restaurants, visit their websites, share your positive experiences on social media.

Yes, it’s that simple.

What Volusia-Flagler businesses are officially part of Small Business Saturday?

On its website, American Express offers a mapping feature to search for participating small businesses nationwide.

In the Daytona Beach area, participating businesses include Angell & Phelps Chocolate Factory, Copperline Coffee, Atlantic Sounds record store and Don Vito’s Italian Restaurant, among others.

In Ormond Beach, Sherry Graffagnino, owner of Molto Bella Boutique, looks forward to the event each year as a way to potentially introduce the shop to new customers.

In Flagler County, participating businesses include Kitchen Specialty Food Market, LJD Designs jewelry, clock and watch store, Alpha Custom Tile and Atlantic Grille Oceanfront Restaurant in Palm Coast, as well as Florist One flower shop in Flagler Beach, among others.