By Rhonda Van Pelt
Small Business Saturday has grown exponentially since American Express launched it in 2010. The credit card company estimates SBS has generated more than $200 billion in reported sales since 2012.
This year, it falls on Saturday, Nov. 30. To Carrie Simison, director of marketing and communications for the Downtown Partnership of Colorado Springs (downtowncs.com), SBS is ideal for kicking off the holidays.
“When you shop local, you see and feel the quality of the product, you get to take it home with you that day, so you know it will ‘arrive’ on time, and you engaged with human beings while you were shopping,” Simison says.
It also makes economic sense. Simison cites statistics that claim for every $100 spent at a locally owned business, $70 stays in the community and helps support services including schools, parks and roads. But when that $100 is spent online or at a chain store, $60 immediately leaves the community.
Every year, the Downtown Partnership compiles a free book of coupons from its member businesses — locals own more than 90% of downtown Colorado Springs businesses. Simison and other Downtown Partnership staffers will hand out the books in Acacia Park, and copies are available at Terra Verde, 208 N. Tejon St., or the Mountain Chalet, 15 N. Nevada Ave. Street meter parking downtown will be free Nov. 30.
Carrie Hibbard and Leah Riehl bought Terra Verde on Jan. 1, 2020, and were still getting their feet under them when the pandemic hit.
“Since COVID, small businesses continue to struggle. We are competing with big-box stores and online business like Amazon every day. It is important that our community is aware of how important small businesses are to our economy. Everything we do is local,” Hibbard says.
She also emphasizes the importance of face-to-face interaction with people who know the wares they’re selling.
It’s the same at the Mountain Chalet. Elaine and Jim Smith bought Colorado’s oldest outdoors store in March 2015.
Elaine Smith says she, her husband and their staffers use the clothing, gear and footwear they offer. And they love hearing about customers’ adventures.
“We know them one-on-one, where they are in their journey and where they want to go,” Smith says. “It’s what we’re passionate about in our lives. It’s not just what we do at work; it’s what we do for fun and fulfillment.”
In Manitou Springs, Jenna Gallas is both the event coordinator for the Chamber of Commerce, Visitors Bureau & Office of Economic Development (manitousprings.org) and the co-owner of a small business. She and her fiancé, Jason Wells, are Manitou residents who operate the Armadillo Ranch, a restaurant, bar and music venue at 962 Manitou Ave.
“We are a country full of entrepreneurs and mom-and-pops that need those dollars to keep the lights on and doors open, not to mention feeding their families. Within the Manitou Springs community, it is most important. Our shops are all locally owned. Without the support — especially in the off-tourism season — it can be tough to winter in a small town,” Gallas says.
The Small Business Administration’s tips for merchants wanting to participate in SBS include the concept of offering something special to set a business apart from the competition. Suggestions also include consider adjusting shop hours, huddle up with staff to brainstorm, refresh the business’ digital profile, plan a special event and partner with other businesses. For more information: www.sba.gov/blog/2023/2023-10/how-prepare-your-small-business-holidays.
According to a Harris Poll survey, 83% of Americans — more than 217 million people — plan to purchase gifts this season, spending an average of $925 each. That would total $201 billion.
The survey also found that 39% of respondents will shop on Black Friday, Nov. 29, and 36% plan to shop online for Cyber Monday, Dec. 2. Only 16% planned to shop at locally owned or small businesses.
