This year, the average consumer is expected to spend roughly $1,500 during the holiday shopping season, according to a new survey from Deloitte. While the bulk of that spending will cover gifts, it also includes things like holiday travel, entertaining at home and holiday furnishings.
To motivate local spending, retailers across the country are participating in Small Business Saturday on Nov. 30. The day – created by American Express in 2010 – is dedicated to supporting the diverse range of local businesses that help to create jobs, boost the economy and enhance neighborhoods around the U.S.
Locally, the Flint & Genesee Chamber of Commerce is encouraging community members to participate in the annual campaign and has compiled a list of members that are hosting events and special promotions on Nov. 30. They include:
- Downtown Flint Small Business Saturday
Several Chamber members are participating in this event, organized by Flint Forum for Social Business and Flint Handmade in partnership with multiple sponsors. The first 100 people to make a purchase of $10 or more at three different participating locations will receive a free mural print from the Flint Public Art Project.
Many of the businesses will also offer their own special promotions, including Reclaimed by Whaley (141 W. Second St., Flint) and the Longway Planetarium’s gift shop, which will both offer 20 percent off storewide.
- An Enlightening Deal
In Grand Blanc, Sylvan Learning Center (8185 Holly Rd., Grand Blanc) will host a holiday client appreciation sale that runs through Dec. 30. As part of the promotion, clients who purchase 60 hours of tutoring will get 12 hours free. - Flint Handmade’s 13th Annual Holiday Craft Market
Held at the Flint Masonic Temple (755 S. Saginaw St., Flint), the event will bring together more than 40 local artisans specializing in a variety of unique, handmade items. Admission is $1 for adults and free for children 12 and under. Additionally, the first 25 shoppers will receive a goodie bag. - #ShopSmallFlushing
In Flushing, Chamber member Primary Prevention Physiotherapy is participating in a Shop Local Walk, which will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Each participating shop will host their own snacks, giveaways, and purchase incentives. Shoppers can pick up a map from any participating business or Bueche’s Shopping World during the week of Thanksgiving and collect signatures from each store. Once done, drop off your map for the chance to be entered into the “Christmas in a Basket” raffle. - Deals and Discounts in Little Bavaria
Interested in taking a field trip to Frankenmuth this holiday weekend? Swing by the Bavarian Inn Restaurant, where all seven Castle Shops will be offering a variety of discounts, including 20 percent off all dolls at the Doll & Toy Shop, 20 percent off Glühwein “Glow Wine” at the Wine & Beer Shop and a free small coffee with a pastry purchase of $5 or more at the Castle Shop Bakery.Just around the corner, several shops at the Frankenmuth River Place Shops will offer a variety of promotions and discounts. Mother Earth’s Toy Jungle will host a Letters to Santa and Christmas Card making station, and visitors can snag free jerky from the Jerky Joint. Calla Lilies will host an Ulla Popken Goodie Giveaway and Emilie B’s will host a Just Black Denim Jeans Giveaway. Both stores will host a variety of discounts, as will fellow shops Girl Talk, Funky Skunk, Enchanted Forest and Hello Cats and Dogs.
These are just some of the hundreds of Chamber members that you can support on Small Business Saturday and all year-round. For a listing of those businesses, check out our Chamber Member Directory.
Interested in learning more about this year’s holiday shopping forecasts? Click here for the Deloitte report and here for the report from the National Retail Federation.