Shop Small Henderson

One year later, as the Shop Small Movement gains momentum, local officials across the nation take notice and promote Small Business Saturday. In 2011, the Senate unanimously passes a resolution in support of the day and officials in all 50 states participate. It even gets a shout-out from the president of the United States.

In 2013, more than 1,400 individuals and organizations sign up as Neighborhood Champions to rally their communities with events and activities on Small Business Saturday and that number continues to grow. By 2018, there were more than 7,500 Neighborhood Champions across all 50 states. They’re not alone. Beginning in 2011, business associations, nonprofit trade groups, municipalities, and public officials started to unite by forming a Small Business Saturday Coalition, encouraging everyone to Shop Small. And nearly 100 corporations lend their official support to the movement.

In 2018, U.S. consumers reported spending a record high of an estimated $17.8 billion at independent retailers and restaurants on Small Business Saturday. Over the years, Small Business Saturday spending has now reached a reported estimate of $103 billion since the day began in 2010 — that’s $103 billion over 9 days alone.

As shopping small catches on in communities everywhere, Small Business Saturday goes from a cause to a day of community celebration. 96% of consumers who reported shopping on Small Business Saturday said the day makes them want to Shop Small all year long, not just during the holiday season.

Small Business Saturday continues to be an annual holiday shopping tradition — just one part of the larger Shop Small Movement to support small businesses every day and everywhere. Because a visit to the family-owned framing shop or a stop at the neighborhood taco truck not only supports our local economies, but also promotes thriving communities. That’s why American Express is proud to back Small Business Saturday and the Shop Small Movement.

WSDBA President Mikel Conrad worked closely with the AmEx Coalition to bring Shop Small to Water Street. He worked with Vegas Events and More and the WSDBA to coordinate efforts along Water Street and at the Plaza. We had just begun.

Vision – WSDBA President Maria Bailey’s vision was to have Water Street lined with blue and white Shop Small balloons showcasing the local merchant’s storefronts, leading everyone to the Events Plaza full of tents with small businesses selling their wares.

Reality – Hundreds of balloons lined the Water Street and it was so exhilarating to see lines of shoppers waiting to enter different merchant’s businesses. Over 100 vendors filled the Events Plaza. Over 450 Shop Small canvas bags were handed out, several tv stations stopped by to kick off the event and to talk to vendors and shoppers. Mayor March was interviewed on CBS radio.