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Small Business Saturday 2015 Reaches Highest Sales Ever

This past Small Business Saturday – which took place November 28, 2015 – marked the best year ever in terms of sales, business involvement and consumer participation. More than 95 million consumers shopped at small businesses on Small Business Saturday, marking an eight percent increase from 2014.

Among the reasons that Small Business Saturday saw record levels this year is undoubtedly due to the support from communities and local organizations. More than 4,100 Neighborhood Champions – which identify communities and neighborhoods that represent small businesses – around the country rallied local businesses and consumers alike to support Small Business Saturday. Their participation showed an increase amomg Neighborhood Champions of 48 percent over last year, plus more than 425 organizations joined the Small Business Saturday Coalition – an increase of 11 percent over last year.

According to the Small Business Saturday Consumer Insights Survey, total spending among U.S. consumers who were aware of Small Business Saturday reached $16.2 billion at independent retailers and restaurants on the day, an increase of 14 percent from $14.3 billion in 2014. Among those who shopped on Small Business Saturday, 31 percent attended a community event on the day and 81 percent encouraged family and friends to support their local small businesses.

Additionally, this same survey revealed that consumers and small businesses helped rally support for Small Business Saturday and their favorite small businesses on social media channels. There were 85 million social media engagements in support of Small Business Saturday in the month of November alone. As NFIB President and CEO Dan Danner explains, “it’s very encouraging to see small businesses participate every year and more shoppers giving local entrepreneurs a chance to compete for their business.”

Government officials also helped to bring attention to Small Business Saturday, with the following highlights among those that helped make Small Business Saturday 2015 the best yet.

  • President Obama shopped at a local bookstore and dined at a local popsicle shop on Small Business Saturday in Washington, D.C.
  • Over 200 Federal officials and agencies showed support for Small Business Saturday through posts on Facebook and Twitter.
  • 551 city proclamations in support of Small Business Saturday were issued by mayors and other elected officials in all 50 states and Washington D.C.

Expanding on the success of Small Business Saturday is Janey Whiteside, senior vice president and general manager of American Express OPEN.

“Small Business Saturday is an increasingly important economic engine for independent businesses. These impressive numbers demonstrate the value that Small Business Saturday brings to local businesses, and American Express is proud to support the Shop Small Movement. We encourage shoppers to support their local businesses not only on Small Business Saturday, but all year long.”

Fortunately, the ‘Shop Small’ message is one that is heard year round thanks to the success of Small Business Saturday and it’s founder, American Express.

Photo Details: The iconic Shop Small logo on a canvas tote was among the promotional items given to Neighborhood Champions to help promote Small Business Saturday. This bag was scene at Nomelie Cupcakes in Parker, Colorado. 


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