FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The Saturday between Black Friday and Cyber Monday is a big deal for small businesses.
Mayor Stephens will issue a proclamation at 10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 26 at Chabom Tea + Spices, 209 E. Commercial, declaring the Saturday after Thanksgiving as “Small Business Saturday,” in Springfield.
In 2010, American Express launched a national “Small Business Saturday” campaign to encourage sales at small businesses between Black Friday and Cyber Monday.
Eighty-four percent of the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce’s approximately 1,800 member businesses have 50 or fewer employees, according to chamber Membership Relations Coordinator Kiley Haynes.
"Small Business Saturday offers us a chance to show our support for the small businesses here in the Springfield area," Stephens said. "I urge the residents of our community, and communities across the country, to support small businesses and merchants not only on this one day, but throughout the year. Our local entrepreneurs, friends, families and small business owners in the community should be supported as they keep and spend the dollars in the state, thus creating a large multiplier for every dollar spent."
Downtown Springfield Association, Walnut Street merchants and the Commercial Club representing small businesses in the C-Street District, are among those reminding shoppers about the contributions small businesses make to the local economy and community.
“Small Business Saturday is a fun way for everyone to support local businesses. It’s an opportunity to purchase authentic gifts with character from area craftsmen and entrepreneurs. A much higher percentage of the proceeds from your holiday shopping will stay here in Springfield to be reinvested back into the community,” said Rusty Worley, executive director of the Downtown Springfield Association. ?
Downtown Springfield is proud to be the home of three dozen local retailers that generated over $15.7 million in taxable sales last year. It continues to serve as an incubator for regional entrepreneurs who want to be part of a community that supports its businesses through collaborative marketing, financing, networking, education and iconic family-friendly events.?
Downtown Springfield activities this year include a wide variety of specials at participating retailers, a free Trolley Bike shuttle connecting downtown retailers with the Queen City Craft Show, and a free cookie at the new Magic and Mayhem Bakery inside Distorted Utopia at 310 S. Campbell.
Patrons “shopping small” will receive a free canvas tote bag (while supplies last) and a host of other specials. Be sure to visit itsalldowntown.com and the Downtown Springfield Facebook page.
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For more information, please contact Rusty Worley, DSA Executive Director, 417-831-6200, [email protected] or Cora Scott, Director of Public Information & Civic Engagement for the City of Springfield, at 417-380-3352 or [email protected].