Below you'll find some resources about prepping for the holidays, dates of importance and graphics you can download and share on your social media channels. Take advantage of your connections to not only remind your followers of the importance of choosing locally-owned retailers this season, but to thank them for their patronage of your small business. I'll be adding more here as the season goes on so check back soon and also follow my "Shop Local - Live Local" board on Pinterest.
*Holiday Sales and What Your Business Needs to Do Now 9 steps to prepare for the holiday season
*Five Ideas to Inspire Your Holiday Marketing Campaigns
Plan ahead to ensure that you can shop at and support the Mom and Pop business owners in your community this Thanksgiving. Order a turkey or ham from a nearby farm, put in your request for pies and cakes at the corner bakery and check the hours for local shops to make sure you can pick up all the holiday meal items.
BLACK THURSDAY (or as I view it, the opportunity to boycott the stores which do open on what has always been considered a family holiday):
Consumers plan to get started early on Christmas shopping: “The excitement of Thanksgiving Day store openings has now faded.....While choosing to close on the holiday will not be detrimental to those retailers, the retailers who open won’t see a significant boost this year either".
Maybe I'm just old-fashioned? But I prefer to leave the day for people to still enjoy with their families. Article via Independent Retailer
How the Mall of America Views Black Thursday and Friday: | The largest retail and entertainment destination in North America, is going one step further this year with regards to its employees. After much consideration mall management said it is treating Black Friday as a “seventh holiday” for employees that work directly for the mall and Nickelodeon Universe. Mall employees who are eligible and work on Friday, Nov. 24 will receive holiday pay.
SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY: One of the largest retail shopping dates is also a huge social event for consumers and business owners.
Promote your retail shop and small business location: "What to Know About Small Business Saturday"
Visit the American Express website for promo materials
"5 Reasons You Should Participate in Small Business Saturday"
Black Friday: Will you shop loco or shop local?
Coming up on November 11th is the chance to celebrate independent toy shops during Neighborhood Toy Store Day
Created by the American Specialty Toy Retailing Association (ASTRA). "Independent toy stores all over the country will kick off the holiday season by hosting Neighborhood Toy Store Day to celebrate their community, the value of shopping local, and the joy of play. Hundreds of toy stores celebrate with family-friendly activities, in-store specials and more! See the coolest toys this holiday season in-person and find a curated selection of gifts for the kids (and kids-at-heart) you love." As you have probably noticed on our Facebook page, we LOVE events which celebrate and promote independent retailers across the country. Do you have an awesome local toy shop in your town or community? Visit Go Independent; Shop Small, Anywhere, USA on Facebook and tell us!
Live Local, USA • "Sharing the Love of
Small Business from Coast to Coast"
