Johnston Reporter

The holiday season's prominent shopping weekend persists with the inclusion of Small Business Saturday, a movement designed to boost the economy by supporting local businesses. Positioned between Black Friday and Cyber Monday, the aim is to encourage shoppers to actively support local businesses.

As we delve into the crux of Small Business Saturday, let's look at how it aligns with traditional shopping holidays. Small Business Saturday is lined up perfectly with one of the busiest shopping weekends of the year. Many local shops and businesses still offer the discounts any bigger company would. Shawn Smith, a shopper on Black Friday, quoted on an ABC 11 article that shopping small is a way to interact with the local community and a way for them to interact with their shoppers, from ABC 11.

Moving forward, let's understand why these small businesses are crucial for our economy. These small businesses are so important to the economy even if it isn’t seen. In a Commerce NC Gov report, they state these small businesses provide a role of creation, innovation and contribution to all the state of North Carolina. A small business is one with fewer than 500 employees according to US Census Bureau's Quarterly Workforce Indicators. In North Carolina it is about 45% of the state's employment.

Finally, let's explore how this trend impacts sales during holiday seasons. Most companies' business peaks between the holiday season months of November and December. Small businesses have become more of a trend for holiday shopping and are hoping to continue out throughout the year, according to an ABC 11 article. It is huge to support these local small businesses on its special Small Business Saturday.