Support for Small Businesses

Give your holiday season sales a boost with help from American Express OPEN and Small Business Saturday®, which is Nov. 26. This day to support small businesses is scheduled to fall between Black Friday and Cyber Monday.

Following up on its successful debut last year, Small Business Saturday, developed by American Express OPEN, is a day dedicated to supporting small businesses on one of the busiest shopping weekends of the year. It has the support of many large companies and organizations, such as Google and FedEx, as well as the Society of American Florists (SAF) and 1-800-Flowers.com.

Here’s how it works, according to the event’s website: “On November 26, we’re asking millions of Americans to shop small at their favorite local stores and help fuel the economy. When we all shop small, it will be huge.”

This year, via the Small Business Saturday website and its Facebook page, retailers have a wealth of tools available to promote their businesses and create offers to lure customers in. You can print in-store signage; get customizable e-marketing materials (text for emails, Facebook posts and tweets); create a video; and get ideas for a compelling offer that will attract buyers.

In addition, American Express is doing its part to entice customers into small retailers’ shops. “American Express will help drive traffic through the doors of small, locally-owned businesses with a special incentive: a $25 statement credit offer for Cardmembers who register their Cards and spend $25 or more at any qualifying small business that accepts the American Express Card.” Customers have to register their cards to take advantage of the offer on Small Business Saturday.

Sources: American Express OPEN; Small Business Saturday, www.smallbusinesssaturday.com.

©Copyright 2012 Florists' Review Enterprises