Enhance Your Holiday Shopping by Shopping Small on Small Business Saturday

Saturday, November 30, 2024, is Small Business Saturday, a day to celebrate and support small businesses in Elgin and recognize their community impact. Elgin Economic Development Corporation (EEDC) Assistant Director Kaley Frye says, “When you shop locally in Elgin, you contribute to the success of our small businesses. Your support creates jobs, encourages innovation, and helps develop a thriving local economy. Each purchase from a small business strengthens our community.”
Small Business Saturday encourages Americans nationwide to support local businesses, infusing money into local economies. It also promotes vibrant and diverse communities and celebrates the importance of small businesses to the national economy. The event has become an important day to show appreciation for the small businesses that are the backbone of Elgin’s economy.

Small Business Saturday

Small Business Saturday takes place annually on the Saturday after Thanksgiving when people say their “thank yous” and are in the giving spirit. This event encourages holiday shoppers to patronize brick-and-mortar businesses that are small and local.

American Express founded Small Business Saturday in 2010 to encourage consumers to shop small during the holiday season. Today, Small Business Saturday is co-sponsored by the Small Business Administration (SBA) and has become an important part of small businesses’ busiest shopping season. Historically, spending among U.S. consumers who shopped at independent retailers and restaurants on Small Business Saturday reached an estimated $17 billion last year, according to the 2023 Small Business Saturday Consumer Insights Survey.

We hope that residents of Elgin consider showing their support and shopping locally. This meaningful day can act as an excuse to treat yourself to some of Elgin’s favorite local mom-and-pop shops, independent retailers, restaurants, cafes, and service providers while giving back at the same time. 

Elgin’s spin on Small Business Saturday is Shop Small Saturday

The EEDC, the Elgin Main Street Board, and Elgin Chamber of Commerce are joining forces with American Express to celebrate Shop Small Saturday on November 30th. When you shop small in Elgin, you can:

• Enter to win Elgin Yiftee Gift Cards
• Enjoy store specials
• Purchase unique gifts
• Satisfy your hunger with great dining options
• Participate in the Elgin Chamber of Commerce Cash Mob

Shop Small Saturday Cash Mob

Elgin is unique in hosting a special event in conjunction with Small Business Saturday – a Shop Small Saturday Cash Mob. This event, presented by the Elgin Chamber of Commerce, takes place on Saturday, November 30th, from 9 a.m. -12 p.m. and gives residents and visitors an opportunity to show some love for small businesses in the city. Shoppers meet at Elgin Chamber of Commerce at 114 Central Avenue. Those that splurge at least $25 can start their day with a mimosa or a refreshing juice, and then hit the downtown shops to show their support for local businesses. Over 100 locally owned businesses in downtown Elgin and several hundred in Elgin overall are looking forward to your patronage.

How Small Business Saturday supports Elgin’s economy

When you support a small business in Elgin, you also support the city by paying sales tax. These tax dollars go toward local public schools, parks, roads, and sidewalks, as well as to fund public safety.    

The items found in some of Elgin’s small businesses are often made by hand in small batches, so they’re one-of-a-kind pieces. Some stores also offer customized products, hands-on services, and other personal touches that big box stores cannot. In fact, 37% of consumers in the U.S. say they purchase from small businesses to receive a more personal experience.

The country has over 33 million small businesses, accounting for roughly 44% of the U.S. Gross Domestic Product, equating to trillions of dollars of economic activity. Frye says, “By designating a day that honors small businesses in Elgin and across the country, we are reminded that these businesses rely on our patronage during the critical holiday shopping season and year-round.” Data from QuickBooks shows that about one-third of small businesses’ annual revenue was generated during the holidays in 2022.

Make a big impact by shopping small

Small Business Saturday celebrates and encourages consumers to shop and support local businesses. When you shop locally, you are investing in the future of Elgin’s community. Your money is going directly towards supporting the livelihood of small business owners in Elgin and their families. These business owners are more likely to reinvest their earnings back in the community. When small businesses thrive, the community benefits.

This Small Business Saturday, show your support for your local businesses and make a difference here in Elgin. Shop Elgin first. Learn more here.