Obviously, we all know about Black Friday where people go shopping at the 'big box' stores even before the crack of dawn. Then there's Cyber Monday, which was started five years ago, that takes place the Monday after Thanksgiving where online retailers slash prices and dish out deals in order to entice shoppers. This year, American Express is launching Small Business Saturday on November 27 to encourage people to spend money at local small businesses.
Even though one has to use an American Express card to earn rewards for shopping at a small business on Small Business Saturday — "receiving a $25 statement credit on any purchase of at least $25 at any locally owned independent small businesses that accept American Express" — it's still a great reason to get people aware of supporting their local independently owned shops and restaurants. Shopping local provides money and creates jobs in our communities.
This article appears in Nov 25 – Dec 1, 2010.