'Shop Local' Holiday Season Push Gets a Boost on Small Business Saturday

This seasonal greeting comes from hometown merchants: Don't be in thrall to the mall.

They're spreading the word via social media and window signs with help from American Express, organizer of the second annual Small Business Saturday on Nov. 26. The credit card issuer promotes a nationwide "day dedicated to supporting small businesses on one of the busiest shopping weekends," it explains online. "We’re asking millions of Americans to 'shop small' at their favorite local stores and help fuel the economy. When we all shop small, it will be huge."

The firm puts money where its promotion is by offering a one-time $25 rebate to shoppers spending at least $25 at a small business after registering their credit card here. Any nonfranchised, locally owned shop qualifies if it accepts American Express.  

That covers lots of boutiques, bakers and burger joints throughout the area.

In nearby Clawson, Downtown Development Authority plans promotional offers that day. "The Saturday after Thanksgiving is the time to pledge to Shop Small in Downtown Clawson," the DDA's latest newsletter says. "Downtown businesses provide jobs, preserve neighborhoods and fuel the local economy. Show your support and shop local."

Some stores sweeten the deal with their own incentives. Stella Boutique on West Fourth Street in Royal Oak has a "buy two, get one free" jewelry sale Saturday.

“It’s always important to support your local community," another Royal Oak merchant, Kate Burton of Bingo Pet Salon, told the Detroit Free Press recently. "It think it’s great a company like American Express is doing something to help small business. . . . It’s a wonderful idea."

Other southeast Oakland County business boosters join the push. "Stay local," suggests Ferndale's Downtown Development Authority in a "holidates" roundup that includes Saturday. "Avoid the malls and support your favorite merchants on this day, dedicated nationwide to promoting the good businesses that keep local economies prospering."

Businesses in support of the movement in Troy include:

Food and Dining

Recreation and Fitness

Retail

Automotive

Services

Other

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