(FLINT, Mich. – Nov. 25, 2015) Flint & Genesee shoppers are encouraged to start the holiday shopping season by patronizing some of the region’s small businesses on Small Business Saturday, Nov. 28. From food to fashion, there are a variety of shops and businesses from which to choose.
Not only will shoppers find special and unique items for friends and family, but their dollars will contribute to the region’s economic vitality, said Tim Herman, CEO of the Flint & Genesee Chamber of Commerce.
Now in its sixth year, Small Business Saturday takes place on the Saturday following Thanksgiving. This year’s observance is predicted to be the largest one yet. In fact, 77 percent of U.S. consumers are planning to shop on Nov. 28, according to the Small Business Saturday Consumer Insights Survey, conducted by NFIB and American Express.
Local entrepreneurs are enthusiastic about the focus on smaller retailers to kick off the bustling holiday shopping season.
“Small Business Saturday is more important than ever, more important than anyone knows,” said Julie Kunc, owner of Just Julie’s Inc. in Flushing. “Small businesses never lose sight on even the smallest details that contribute to the success of small business. We offer more than the big box store with your hometown friendliness.”
Sandy Oldenbury, owner of Popcorn Wagon Gourmet Popcorn on Miller Road in Flint Township, echoed those comments.
“Small business need more recognition,” said Oldenbury. “It’s harder and harder to compete with the big box stores.”
According to Meghan Hoffman, owner of Floradora at the Flint Farmers’ Market, the promotion of Small Business Saturday helps the small businesses market themselves.
“Most of us do not have the large marketing budget the large box stores do,” Hoffman said. “By working together to promote this day, it helps us all.”
To find businesses in the area look for the member directory and the Made in Flint & Genesee link at flintandgenesee.org. For more information about Small Business Saturday, visit https://www.americanexpress.com/us/small-business/shop-small/?extlink=SBS2014_Search_Consumer